Cummins Inc., a global designer and manufacturer of service engines and related technologies, recently celebrated its success with Six Sigma with a day-long expo of its projects and a presentation of employee awards. Cummins reports that it has completed more than 3,000 Six Sigma projects since it implemented the methodology. Together, the Six Sigma projects have saved the company upward of $600 million—2 percent of its annual sales. In 2004, Six Sigma saved Cummins $32 million. Its annual Six Sigma Expo, held April 5, showcased its success for the public.

“These projects are being recognized because they demonstrate the best application of Six Sigma’s analytical tools at Cummins,” says Tim Solso, Cummins chairman and CEO. “They show us how the principles of Six Sigma have become integrated in our culture. We’re using these tools to help us design and manufacture better products while eliminating waste and inefficiencies in our processes.”

Cummins is based in Columbus, Indiana. It implemented Six Sigma companywide in 1999, and the company reports it’s currently working to deepen its use of the methodology. Cummins is now taking Six Sigma to its customers to help them solve their business problems, as well as expanding Six Sigma’s use as a leadership development tool.

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