FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2011
Press Release
WIKA Instrument Corporation Continues the Lean Journey
After 10 years as a LeanSigma manufacturing
company, WIKA Instrument Corporation (WIKA) is
introducing Six Sigma and Green Belt training to
its workforce. Six Sigma processes facilitate WIKA
with improving its quality processes and
identifying and removing the root causes of
defects and errors with more defined steps. Six
Sigma teams measure how many “defects” there
are in a process, and can then systematically
figure out how to eliminate them and get as close
to “zero defects” as possible.
WIKA customers expect quality products and on-time delivery. Six Sigma will help eliminate the
need for customers to return products, have delayed downtime and long lead times. “Certain
challenges are better addressed with other problem-solving techniques than Lean. Sometimes
you need a bigger tool box,” said Rick Reed, Director of Continuous Improvement and Quality.
Employees from various departments companywide were chosen to create two teams of Green
Belt-certified employees. In diversifying these teams, WIKA had the objectivity it needed with
individuals with new perspectives and different viewpoints, which enabled WIKA to solve
problems by previously unidentified methods.
These Green Belt teams allow WIKA to solve problems on a higher level. “After 10 years of
Kaizen events, the tree is bare,” said Michael Gerster, President. “Our smaller problems have
been corrected, and it is the deeper problems that need attention.” Green Belt employees will
solve those deeper problems and provide corrective action items.
Reed added, “You are always closer to the beginning of the journey than to the end.” WIKA will
conduct two Green Belt projects each year and one Black Belt project, which can take up to two
years to complete.
About WIKA Instrument Corporation
For over 60 years, WIKA Instrument Corporation has continuously advanced pressure gauge, pressure transmitter and
temperature measurement instrumentation. As the global leader in lean manufacturing, WIKA offers a broad selection of
stock and custom instrumentation solutions, which are often available for distribution within days. Producing over 43
million gauges, diaphragm seals, pressure transmitters and thermometers worldwide annually, WIKA’s extensive product
line provides measurement solutions for any application. The WIKA sales team, along with its customer service and
technical staff members, are ready to share their extensive product and industry knowledge to make your business
experience with WIKA productive and progressive.
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Company Contact:
Editorial Contact:
WIKA Instrument Corporation
Melissa Smith
1000 Wiegand Boulevard
Marketing Specialist - Media
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Phone: 678-739-2571
Toll Free: 888-WIKA-USA
Fax: 770-277-2668
Website: www.wika.com
E-mail: msmith@wika.com
E-mail: info@wika.com