Cuernavaca, Mexico — A team from KYDEX, LLC was awarded first place yesterday at the SEKISUI America Corporation Kaizen competition in Cuernavaca, Mexico after competing against ten teams from across North America.

"Team Metallica" is comprised of four representatives of a Kaizen team at KYDEX, LLC that was successful in significantly improving the process of manufacturing one of the company's most successful and sought-after products for the aviation interiors industry.

KYDEX President Ronn Cort couldn't be more proud. "Jace Long, Bill Kitchen, Mike Perry, and Tom Kapelewski have been preparing for months for this prestigious event. The competition was fierce and their execution was flawless. Winning the award was the result of company-wide effort and is a great honor. Improving the process of manufacturing one of our most highly-demanded products represents the magnitude of what the impassioned, dedicated employees at KYDEX are capable of achieving. I'm very proud. My congratulations to everyone!"

Kaizen is Japanese for "improvement" or "change for the better," and is a methodology in manufacturing whereby teams work together to improve processes. The annual Kaizen competition is held by each region around the world. Winners of the regional competitions then compete in the global competition in Kyoto, Japan.

About KYDEX, LLC
KYDEX, LLC, a Sekisui Chemical Group company, is a U.S.-based global leader in specialty thermoplastic sheet design and manufacturing serving global clients across a diverse spectrum of industries including aviation, mass transit, medical devices, retail store fixtures, and industrial equipment housings, among others. From initial inspiration through final implementation, KYDEX serves as a trusted partner to its clients, providing materials in custom color choices and varied textures and finishes while meeting regulatory compliancy. Delivering exceptional value, responsive service and breakthrough solutions that are second-to-none is the mission of every member of the KYDEX team.

About Sekisui Chemical Company, Ltd
Sekisui Chemical Company, Ltd. was founded in 1948 as Sekisui Sangyo Co., Ltd. With headquarters in Tokyo, it is one of Japan's largest manufacturing companies with upwards of 20,000 employees worldwide who generate annual revenue of over $11 Billion. KYDEX, LLC, formerly Kleerdex Company, was purchased by Sekisui Chemical Co., in 1990. Sekisui opened its first office in America in New York City in the 1950s, and in the 1960s became the first Japanese plastics manufacturer in the U.S. when they opened a plant in Pennsylvania to manufacture polystyrene paper. Sekisui America Corporation (SAC) was formed in 1983, and today, the American Sekisui subsidiaries include twelve companies. Visit www.sekisuichemical.com for more information.