Whirlpool is a successful corporation with 67 manufacturing and technology cente
ID: 373015 • Letter: W
Question
Whirlpool is a successful corporation with 67 manufacturing and technology centers. It covers over 170 countries and in 2009 its estimation was 17 billion dollars. The vision of whirlpool is 'Everywhere with pride, passion and performance'. It objective and mission is to build customer loyalty for the brand. The focus is the innovative and top notch products.
The strategy is to offer a selection of models that is diverse and focus on low cost production efficiency. This helps the company to place competitive price for its products. There are huge growth opportunities in countries that it has successfully expanded in. There is drive for operating excellence and the management has successfully developed a comprehensive operational excellence program with the help of six sigma as the centerpiece.
The six sigma techniques have been used for improving the quality of the or ducts and lower cost and trim the time that is needed for getting the product innovations to the marketplace. The program helped the company to save 175 million dollar manufacturing cost during its first three years. The six sigma practice was used for each of the manufacturing facilities and a culture based on lean manufacturing capabilites and skills was used. There was focus placed on the needs of the customer which was the center of the function like research and development, technology, manufacturing, marketing and administrative support. It helped to consistently make an improvement in the quality levels and eliminating any costs that are unnecessary. The operational excellence process has been important in sustaining the position of the company as leading manufacturer.
Explanation / Answer
Reflect on how Whirlpool used Six Sigma to promote operating excellence. What steps does Whirlpool take? Where did Six Sigma have the most impact in Whirlpools value chain of operational activities? Why do you think this is so?
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