Six Sigma marries art and science - experience and analysis - improving everything we do.
Six Sigma is a methodology integrating change management, structured problem solving and project management. For Maple Leaf, Six Sigma is more than any one tool, a "quality program", or "continuous improvement." It is our vision of great leadership and our management operating system - the company's DNA. By the end of 2005, Maple Leaf had 130 full-time Black Belts leading Six Sigma projects and had realized hard benefits worth $35 million from the 600 projects completed in 2005 alone. The company completed its first Six Sigma projects in 2000 and, in six years, the cumulative tangible benefits from Six Sigma projects is more than $180 million. "We want to become a Six Sigma company, not just a Six Sigma project practitioner. We want all Maple Leaf leaders to demonstrate Six Sigma leadership. We want to engage each and every Maple Leaf employee to practice Six Sigma the Maple Leaf way."Projects touch all aspects of our business, from improving manufacturing processes and extending product shelf-life, to identifying business strategies and designing new products. The Black Belt (PDF) and Six Sigma Specialist (PDF) roles can open doors to leadership opportunities within Maple Leaf. "Six Sigma leadership will be part of the future leaders of the Maple Leaf organization. … If I could roll back the clock 25 years, I can tell you I would personally want to cycle through the Black Belt role because it matches the essence of what we define as great leaders in the Maple Leaf organization." All employees - both salaried and hourly - are encouraged to participate in, learn about and lead Six Sigma by applying Six Sigma tools and concepts on the job and through our training and coaching programs. Our unique Green Belt certification program recognizes the functional use of Six Sigma, while our Six Sigma At the Edge program makes the methodology relevant to front-line plant and office employees.
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