Specialty Metals Industry:

Six Sigma / Manufacturing Productivity Improvement

  Client:

A major specialty chemical manufacturing company globally supplying a vital component to the electronics industry.

  Problem: Need to increase product output 15-25% within 9 months to keep pace with electronic industry demands and to increase market position. Need to increase process yields, improve quality, and reduce cycle time of key processes.

  Approach: Using a Six Sigma and team-based methodology, defined specific task objectives, developed annual, monthly, weekly, and daily performance targets and metrics. Identified process bottlenecks and sources of variation and risk. Trained problem-solving teams and team leaders in each of the key process areas in team process, statistical process control, and the structured problem-solving process. Trained and mentored management in leading/supporting improvement efforts. Defined strategy and tactics to remove barriers to success and improve process performance.

  Results: Met and exceeded client needs and expectations. Increased product output by 33% within 6-9 months allowing client to maintain market position, meet customer requirements, and build upon foundation for future growth and development. Increased manufacturing capability an average of over 30% and process yields 50% through process improvement, process management, in-process metrics, manufacturing support, attention to detail, and technical improvements contributing $12 Million to the bottom line. Defined plans for additional 2-3 fold increases in output over the next 1-2 years. Began the transformation of client skills and abilities to a data-driven, problem-solving environment. Created a client recognition that we are “the first consultants that they ever met that did what we said we would do and actually rolled up our sleeves and accomplished what needed to be done!”

   
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