MacNeillie’s Six Sigma Investment in People

Three MacNeillie managers are the first tranche of people to embark on a programme of Six Sigma training designed to reduce waste and inefficiency for customers.

Lewis Bullock, Quality Manager; Adam Bradford, Contract Manager and Nick Wright, Project Manager (Special Projects) are on track to get a yellow belt (level 2 qualification) having kicked off with their training in June. Six Sigma is an impressive set of techniques and tools developed for process improvement. Lewis described how it works: “It’s success lies in identifying and removing the causes of defects and also minimising variability in processes.” Adam agreed: “I can see how we will become part of a key infrastructure of people: Champions, Black Belts, Green Belts and Yellow Belts, each becoming experts in the Six Sigma methods. I already feel very engaged and keen to see how I can apply my new learnings to the benefit of MacNeillie customers.”

Nick added a slightly different perspective: “I like the structure – we have a defined sequence of steps and quantified value targets to reduce time, pollution and costs.” The programme is ongoing and part of MacNeillie’s commitment to provide development for its people, deliver competitive edge and offer benefits to its customers.

Toby Carter, Head of Commercial observed: “We are already feeling the benefits after only 12 weeks. The plan is to introduce a new team of people as part of the drive for leaner processes and reduction of waste.”