LOGAN, UTAH – March 31, 2025 – The Shingo Institute, a program in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, has awarded the Shingo Silver Medallion to Vale SA, Wheel Exchange and Maintenance Complex São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil, in recognition of its outstanding commitment to organizational excellence.

Ken Snyder, executive director of the Shingo Institute, stated, “Receipt of the Shingo Silver Medallion signifies an organization’s mastery of fundamental principles. Those who achieve this high honor are deeply committed to cultural transformation and continuous improvement, aligning their systems with Shingo Guiding Principles at every level.”

For more than 81 years, Vale has been a global leader in sustainable mining, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the world's energy transition. Vale operates integrated logistics systems with mining activities, including railways, maritime terminals, and ports. Guided by its core values—life matters most, acting with integrity, valuing the people who build the company, making it happen, and respecting the planet and communities—Vale continuously improves its operations while fostering a culture of safety and excellence.

The Wheel Exchange and Maintenance Complex (CTMR) in São Luís is critical in maintaining Vale’s transportation infrastructure. Since its inauguration in 2016, the CTMR has enhanced safety and efficiency, contributing to a reduction in accident rates and improving railway reliability. The implementation of predictive maintenance has increased fleet availability, reduced cycle times, and optimized ore transportation in Brazil’s Northern Corridor.

Vale’s journey toward excellence has been deeply rooted in the Shingo Model™. By embedding Shingo principles into its culture and processes, CTMR has cultivated a mindset of continuous improvement and systemic thinking. Employees at all levels engage in problem-solving, emphasizing collaboration and long-term impact over quick fixes.

"Each day, we've been striving to work with a systemic mindset," said Jeferson Batista, Rolling Stock Maintenance General Manager. "Not just looking at the interests of a specific area, solving problems in a punctual and often superficial way, but seeing the company as an interconnected ecosystem where everyone works together, seeking the best for our customers and our people, pursuing improvements and safety at every stage."

“At CTMR, we adopt the scientific method to continuously evolve,” said Jardeles Nunes, Wagon Maintenance Manager. “We collect thousands of data points every day in our processes. Leadership analyzes this data, goes into the field to observe the phenomenon, confirms hypotheses, and with a team, develops a robust action plan to improve the work.”

“To apply the Shingo principle of 'quality at the source' means ensuring that the entire process is done correctly from the start,” said Roberta Torres, Planning and Maintenance Control Manager. “At CTMR, by incorporating this principle from the planning stage, we ensure a more reliable workflow, reducing costs and making our company more competitive, thus contributing to our journey toward a safer, more reliable, and sustainable Vale.”

Vale SA will be formally recognized at the Awards Gala during the 37th Annual Shingo Conference in Provo, Utah, on April 29, 2025. This prestigious event highlights the achievements of organizations that have successfully implemented the Shingo Model, providing attendees with valuable insights into best practices and cultural transformation.

About the Shingo Institute 

The Shingo Institute is home to the Shingo Prize, an award recognizing organizations that demonstrate an exceptional culture fostering continuous improvement. A program at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, the Shingo Institute is named after Japanese industrial engineer and Toyota adviser Shigeo Shingo. Dr. Shingo distinguished himself as one of the world's thought leaders in concepts, management systems, and improvement techniques known as the Toyota Production System.  

Drawing from Dr. Shingo's teachings and years of experience working with organizations worldwide, the Shingo Institute developed the Shingo Model, the basis for its several educational offerings, including workshops, webinars, podcasts, study tours, and conferences. Workshops are available in multiple languages through the Institute's licensed affiliates. For more information on workshops and affiliates or to register to attend the Annual Shingo Conference, please visit www.shingo.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT:   
Mary Price 
Events and Marketing Director
Shingo Institute 
Phone: +1.435.760.0711 
Email: mary.price@usu.edu 

Optional footer text. If none, Advanced > Layout > Display: None