Six Sigma Focus

Six Sigma seeks to identify and remove the causes of defects and errors in manufacturing and business processes.  It uses a set of quality management methods, including statistical methods, and creates a special infrastructure of people within the organization ("Black Belts" ) who are experts in these methods.

The CONTECH Divisional level Blackbelt program was initiated in 2003 with an impressive return on investment – four completed projects with an estimated savings of nearly two million dollars.  In 2004 the plant level Greenbelt program started, and was immediately successful, also providing millions of dollars in savings each year.  Through the use of a Six Sigma methodology,  CONTECH continues to evolve in to more efficient operations, allowing CONTECH to provide the most cost effective solutions to our customers.

Six Sigma uses an analytical approach to problem solving.  At CONTECH it is also being used as a development program for potential future leaders.  One future focus will be “Design for Six Sigma” – launch support.

Lean Focus

Lean manufacturing or lean production, which is often known simply as "Lean", is the optimal way of producing goods through the removal of waste and implementing flow, as opposed to batch and queue.

The building of the CONTECH Lean House began with our Organizational Leaders becoming certified through University of Kentucky.  An Executive Steering Committee, to provide resources, training and oversight; and a Plant Steering Committee, to guide plant implementation, are in place.  Twelve modules of training have been developed for manufacturing operations.