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Specialist Centre Opens to Spread Six Sigma to SMEs
01 Feb 2004
The Accelerate Six Sigma Specialist Centre was launched this month as a resource dedicated to the promotion of knowledge transfer of Six Sigma applications within the West Midlands automotive sector. It is looking to assist over 250 SMEs in the next eighteen months through free seminars and on-site diagnostic workshops. It will also act as a gateway to possible funding opportunities through business development grants, networks and supply chain improvement projects.
Delivered by Papilio Consultants, this latest offering from the supply chain initiative will demonstrate to suppliers that Six Sigma not only complements lean manufacturing and waste elimination, but also forms a core part of possible TS16949 global accreditation.
Dean Sexton, the driving force behind the launch, explained: "In a nutshell, Six Sigma is best described as a customer-orientated problem solving methodology, using a set of recognised tools and techniques to deliver value back to the client in terms of increasing competitiveness and operational performance. There has also been a considerable shift by the vehicle manufacturers and tier ones to ask their supply chains to contemplate changing their philosophy."
Accelerate's two other Specialist Centres (environmental sustainability and legal) also give automotive component producers the chance to access cutting edge expertise and technologies that would normally be out of their financial reach.
During 2003, Accelerate, which is funded by Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund, invested over £2.5m into the region's automotive supply chain . This sizeable support has assisted over 500 companies in launching new products, securing technology transfers and embracing world class processes for the first time in their history.
www.specialist-centre.com
