Manufacturing

After quadrupling its production over the past 10 years, aluminum semi-fabricator Hulamin decided it was time to re-assess its processes and implement a culture of continuous improvement. Company leadership determined that a Lean Six Sigma approach could get Hulamin the best results in the shortest possible time, and it proved this with a couple of very successful pilot projects—one improving yield rates at a metal recover plant to the tune of R17 million in savings.

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Hulamin Lean Six Sigma

A global leader and innovator in the design and manufacture of super-materials for industrial applications, Element Six adopted Lean Six Sigma (LSS) to align and improve all of its business processes. After training every one of its 1,300 employees in LSS (at some level), the company was recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as a benchmark for other companies to follow. Element Six was also given the DTI and Productivity SA Golden Award for its best practices and great results.

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Element Six Lean Six Sigma

One of the costs incurred by glass manufacturers is the price of the plastic that’s wrapped around palletized bottles. After extensive analysis, one manufacturer determined that the rising price of plastic from its suppliers was disabling its ability to provide customer value. To avoid making compensatory price increases to its customers, the glass manufacturer launched a Lean Six Sigma project aimed at working with suppliers to lower its plastic costs.

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Six Sigma Manufacturing