At United Drug, continuous improvement is a core part of how we operate, shaping how we work, make decisions, and drive progress across the business. This commitment was recently recognised when our own Kris Finlay, Continuous Improvement Lead, received the Kaizen Ambassador Award 2025 from the Kaizen Institute.

The award celebrates individuals who truly embody the principles of Kaizen, those who lead by example, champion a culture of progress, and inspire others to drive innovation, sustainability, and positive change. For Kris, it’s not about personal recognition, but about the journey our entire team has been on together.

“This award means a lot coming from the Kaizen Institute. I didn’t see it coming, but I’m incredibly grateful. It really represents the hard work of the full team here at United Drug.” — Kris Finlay

The Journey So Far

Over the past seven months, United Drug has partnered with the Kaizen Institute to examine and improve how we operate, from warehouse processes to reducing waste and increasing efficiency across our nationwide depots.

The first phase began with a Value Stream Analysis (VSA) at our Dublin depot, where eight key improvement projects were selected from a larger pool of opportunities. These projects targeted areas such as order picking, decanting products, and eliminating non-value-added steps.

With cross-functional teams leading the charge, the results have already been impactful:

•    A significant uplift in warehouse output
•    Increased collaboration across Dublin, Ballina, and Limerick depots
•    A visible shift in workplace culture focused on smarter, leaner processes

“We've seen the tools in action, and they work. The improvements are real. And now, we’re preparing for Phase Two, with even more ambition than before.”

Looking Ahead

The work doesn’t stop here. With Cycle One successfully completed, the teams across Dublin and Limerick are now preparing to launch the next wave of projects. There’s a renewed confidence and belief that not only can we hit our targets, we can exceed them.

This award represents more than personal achievement, it reflects a growing culture at United Drug. A culture where everyone has a voice, where change is welcomed, and where continuous improvement is the foundation of everything we do.

“We’re just getting started. With the tools and mindset we’ve developed, I believe we can take any process and make it better. That’s the real power of Kaizen.”