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Weyerhaeuser is continually looking for training opportunities to increase not only the skills of their workforce, but to run the mill at high efficiency and safety standards. Through an Industry Led Collaborative training grant obtained with the help of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, Weyerhaeuser joined five other companies in Six Sigma Green Belt Lean Manufacturing training.

The three Weyerhaeuser staff members who completed the training are now able to apply the Lean principles within Weyerhaeuser’s lab to collect and interpret data to benchmark and implement process improvements, resulting in a better quality product. The participants also learned to approach problems in process, procedure and change; evaluating and addressing those problems to devise solutions and then implementing those solutions.

Weyerhaeuser’s HR Manager, Jessica Mika says, “Our Lab Technicians became certified Six Sigma Green Belts as a result of the Collaborative Training hosted at Kirtland Community College. Our organization is always striving for continuous improvement and as a result of this training our staff is now better equipped to employ problem-solving tools to enhance our internal processes. They are able to apply the Lean principles within our lab to collect and interpret data to benchmark and implement process improvements that result in a better quality product. Thanks again Michigan Works! for helping make this collaboration happen!”

“The Six Sigma training helped our company improve efficiencies and provide lean manufacturing strategies; that will drive money to the bottom line,” continues Mika. “We are now considering achieving Black Belt certification in the future.”