Reducing the costs of shipping automotive products by implementing a six sigma methodology

Abstract

The team responsible for improving quality and productivity at TPV Johnson Controls, a company producing car seats for the Renault Clio, carried out a project to improve the efficiency of its shipping procedure. The reason for the project was the low labour efficiency in the shipping area, especially that of the truck driver. A systematic approach and teamwork abilities contributed to favourable results in the form of a lay-off of one workstation (one worker per shift) through a re-distribution of work assignments to other shipping workstations, and to an increase in efficiency to a satisfactory level. The use of Six Sigma methodology in this project has meant considerable savings for the company and an improvement in its business performance. © 2004 Journal of Mechanical Engineering. All rights reserved.