To enable the surgical instrument sector to achieve product and process improvements and meet global market needs, the NPO Pakistan organized a Development of Demonstration Companies (DMP) project on Workplace Environment Management through Lean Manufacturing (LM) in the Surgical Instrument Industry for Pakistan. Online sessions with five demonstration companies were held 23–24 October and 4‒6 December, while a face-to-face session was hosted in Sialkot, 30 October‒4 November. The project was facilitated by a resource person from Japan. The DMP established five demonstration companies on the applications of LM systems in the surgical instrument sector.

A cornerstone of Pakistan’s export economy, the surgical instrument sector faces numerous challenges despite its significant contribution to GDP. With direct employment for 150,000 workers and indirect support for 300,000–400,000 more, it is a vital economic engine. However, hurdles such as limited export potential, technological constraints, and inadequate human resources development have impeded its growth. The DMP addressed those challenges and showcased tangible results in productivity enhancement and innovation through LM methodologies. By establishing benchmarks for productivity improvement, the project also serves as a model for other APO members.

Stage 1 of the project involved five prominent companies, Chaplet International Pvt. Ltd., Ekal Surgical Works, Nurikon International Pvt. Ltd., Rhein Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., and Surgikare Manufacturing Company. The kickoff meeting featured presentations by the demonstration companies on existing challenges, along with an overview and LM plan by the resource person. During the initial face-to-face sessions, the resource person conducted workshops at the demonstration companies, focusing on problem assessment, goal setting, and prioritization of LM projects. Subsequent online sessions focused on the resource person’s presentations of implementation plans tailored to each company’s needs.