TAMKO launched Six Sigma program in 2002 as the next chapter in the company’s commitment to Continuous Improvement that originally began in 1981
In June, TAMKO Building Products LLC celebrates 20 years of its successful Six Sigma program. Six Sigma at TAMKO is a
business strategy, management philosophy, and system for success that employs the scientific method and data
analysis to reduce variation and improve products and processes. The implementation of Six Sigma at TAMKO in 2002
revolutionized the company’s focus on quality, process improvement and innovation and helped drive the company’s
mission to provide consistent quality building products to homeowners across the nation.
Six Sigma at TAMKO became an important part of the company’s Continuous Improvement efforts in 2002 and was
integrated into every facet of TAMKO’s operations and company culture.
“Six Sigma has had such a positive influence on the way we do business,” said Mike Shifferd, TAMKO’s Director of Six
Sigma. “Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen employees go through the program changing the face of innovation and
quality at TAMKO, helping to sustain business for many years.”
The Six Sigma program at TAMKO, which began in
2002 with 12 full time Six Sigma Black Belts, has grown over the last 20 years. Six Sigma has also served as
TAMKO’s management training program with Six Sigma alumni now in leadership positions throughout the company.
History of Continuous Improvement
Continuous Improvement at TAMKO is the common thread of the company’s innovative nature that connects its history to
its culture today. Former TAMKO President Jay Humphreys drove TAMKO’s unceasing pursuit of Continuous Improvement
more than 40 years ago with the adoption of Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s Total Quality Management principles. With that
foundation of Deming Continuous Improvement, TAMKO Chairman and CEO David Humphreys initiated Six Sigma in 2002,
under the leadership of then Executive Vice President Tim Whelan to make Six Sigma “the way we get things done
around here.”
“TAMKO’s unwavering commitment to innovation and Continuous Improvement at TAMKO and our Six Sigma program are the
institutional foundations for why TAMKO has been so successful,” said David Humphreys, TAMKO Chairman and CEO.
“Nearly all employees have been a part of a Six Sigma project at some point in their careers at TAMKO, and everyone
should feel incredibly proud of the difference they’re making at TAMKO using Deming Continuous Improvement and Six
Sigma to drive improvement and innovation that have been key to our long-term success.”