The Lincoln Electric Co. recently earned Ford Motor Co.’s Q1 approval. Lincoln Electric credits the use of Six Sigma practices in its welding consumables manufacturing facility with helping it earn the approval.The designation recognizes Ford suppliers that demonstrate manufacturing excellence, superior quality and continuous improvement. Lincoln Electric is the first and only welding manufacturer to earn the distinction. George Blankenship, Lincoln Electric’s vice president of engineering and quality assurance, credited Six Sigma with the honor.

“Our use of Six Sigma in the design and manufacturing of Lincoln quality welding consumable products clearly differentiates Lincoln as best-in-class,” says Blankenship. “The Q1 approval and our ISO 14001 registration highlight Lincoln’s commitment to be the supplier of choice in the automotive sector.”

In meeting Ford’s Q1 requirements, Lincoln also conforms to other automotive requirements, such as advance product quality planning, statistical process control, measurement systems analysis and the production part approval process.

For more information, visit www.lincolnelectric.com.

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