Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore a Six Sigma implementation within a Kaizen mechanism, how the Kaizen events and methodology evolved, as well as the critical success factors as the methodology developed. Design/methodology/approach This paper begins with a review of the literature on Six Sigma and its Kaizen factors, followed by an empirical study a Kaizen event framework that was developed for a Taiwanese firm. Findings The results of the Six Sigma system proposed in this paper show that each organization used a unique Kaizen mechanism when initiating a Six Sigma project. A Kaizen event within a Kaizen mechanism can be used to obtain valuable insights about Six Sigma implementations. Firms should be able to achieve better management decisions after conducting self-assessments using the model. Originality/value This paper provides documented evidence of Six Sigma implementations with Kaizen events flow units, representative of aerospace industry. This study should prove to be of a great value to academics, consultants, researchers, and practitioners of Six Sigma.