Six Sigma Guides Everything We Do
At Maple Leaf Foods, Six Sigma is the blending of experience and analysis, guided by our Values, to create deep knowledge. Encompassing change management, project management and structured problem solving, Six Sigma is used by the business in various ways: from executing large-scale initiatives such as post-acquisition integrations to solving day-to-day business challenges such as improving line efficiencies within our production facilities.
Our leadership walks the talk
The strength, commitment and long-term focus of an executive leadership team is critical for the success of any Six Sigma effort. At Maple Leaf, our Six Sigma program is visibly supported and championed by our senior leaders.
We see this in many ways. Our Six Sigma project leaders, known as Black Belts, are assigned to initiatives that are top priority to the business. These projects are actively championed by senior leaders in the organization. Most visibly, this support is demonstrated by the increased demand for Six Sigma resources which continues to grow.
Six Sigma is the DNA of our company
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.
Six Sigma starts at the very top with our President and CEO, Michael McCain, who shares these insights:
"There are a number of things that distinguish Maple Leaf Six Sigma from off-the-shelf versions. First of all is the very profound connection that we've created between Six Sigma and our Leadership culture.
What we have populated across the entire organization is intrinsic to Maple Leaf and that means something to us. It's not necessarily the same as Six Sigma in the hundreds of other companies that have taken a shot at deployment in their organizations. To us, Six Sigma means something very special.
It is interwoven into all aspects of our culture and our Leadership Values."
Everyone gets involved
Our objective is to be a Six Sigma organization, not just do Six Sigma projects. This requires the participation of everyone, at every level, in every function and in every business. We see Six Sigma as helping each employee to enhance and to realize his or her full potential. We foster this engagement and contribution through two vehicles: our Green Belt Certification program and our Six Sigma at the Edge program.
Our Green Belt Certification Program is a practical way for everyone to learn about, participate and lead Six Sigma. Coached by our Black Belt network, Green Belts include both individuals and work groups who participate in Six Sigma through a structured process.
Our Six Sigma at the Edge Program brings Six Sigma philosophy, tools and methods to both hourly and salaried employees across our offices and plants. Locations participating in this program experience a heightened awareness, understanding and use of Six Sigma methodology.
