News

M A Metal Recognized by Cummins for its Commitment to Six Sigma Excellence

Culture-changing Project Launches New Era for Edinburgh Company

June 29, 2010

Edinburgh, Ind., June 29, 2010—Local metal forming and stamping company, M A Metal, was recognized by Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) for its commitment to Six Sigma management philosophies that were designed to improve the quality of processes and products, eliminate waste and defects, and save money.

"M A Metal was ready and willing to meet our supply needs on very short notice," says Jay Grider, a Six Sigma Black Belt at CMI who led the Engine Business Global Purchasing staff in a project to quickly identify new, niche suppliers of oil pans and covers. "They didn't just see an opportunity for more work, they saw an opportunity to partner with Cummins and learn new management styles that they could apply throughout their own operation."

The dedication of Grider and M A Metal paid off when Cummins awarded the project a Chairman's Award. Cummins selected only 40 out of its 4,000 Six Sigma projects in 2009 for the award. The announcement came on May 11 during a Six Sigma Expo at the Cummins Engine Plant. The Engine Business Global Purchasing staff later shared the award and accolades with M A Metal.

"Using Six Sigma philosophies on this project was a positive culture change for us," says Ronnie Burton, vice president of operations for M A Metal and student in Cummins' Six Sigma Supplier Training. "Our award-winning contributions to this Cummins' project taught us how we can use Six Sigma to improve product and service delivery to all our metal forming and stamping customers."

"Six Sigma naturally accompanies M A Metal's ongoing commitment to providing customers with a balance of dependability, service, price and quality," adds Rick McConnaughhay, senior director of sales for major accounts. "And this award-winning project exemplifies that our privately held company has the flexibility and nimbleness necessary to adjust to customers' requirements."

MA Metal is a TS16949 certified supplier of tier-two precision automotive stampings, components and assemblies also serving customers in appliance, communication, aircraft and electrical sectors. The privately owned company was founded in 1946 as a small, local business that was initially known as Midwest Art Metal. The company has grown into a thriving enterprise serving businesses and industries throughout the Midwest and has diversified into production machining, production stamping, welding, tube forming, fabrication and other value-added services.