Chris Ortiz, president of Kaizen Assembly in Bellingham, has earned the Shingo Prize Research and Professional Publication Award for his book, “The Psychology of Lean Improvements: Why Organizations Must Overcome Resistance and Change Culture.”

The Shingo prize recognizes and promotes research and writing regarding new knowledge and understanding of lean and operational excellence. It is among the highest honors in research and professional in the lean-management field.

Ortiz is one of the youngest winners of the Shingo prize. He has been practicing and teaching lean-management principles for 15 years.

More information on Kaizen Assembly is online at www.kaizenassembly.com.