Kenworth's plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, received the Global Six Sigma award for Best Project Achievement in the Health, Safety and Environment category at the recent 2008 Global Six Sigma & Business Improvement Awards ceremony in Orlando, Fla.


The plant was recognized for successfully reducing the paint department's impact on the environment and enhancing paint quality. A 10-person team used Six Sigma methodology and analysis to annually eliminate 21,000 gallons of paint waste from the landfill and reduce volatile organic compound emissions by more than 15 tons. The project helped to enhance paint quality on the main production line, while increasing process efficiencies in hood paint preparation by nearly 85 percent.

The Global Six Sigma and Business Improvement Awards are given annually to the most outstanding organizational achievements through the deployment of business improvement programs. The awards program's focus is to demonstrate to the global business community the real results and excellence organizations achieve through Six Sigma and other business excellence programs. The awards are directed by an independent advisory panel and judged by a panel of independent business improvement experts and practitioners.