Q-Squared

Our Q2 lunch meetings took a different twist (or should I say flip) this time. The Q2 team treated employees to a delicious pancake breakfast featuring plain and blueberry pancakes, bacon, sausage, orange juice, milk and some great locally produced maple syrup (thanks Paul Aikin). Many good ideas were brought up and discussed at these meetings. A common opportunity for improvement regarding technical training of the operations group was mentioned at all three meetings. The fact that much of the manufacturing equipment PLC controlled new operators do not have the need to make manual adjustments – and thus may not know the intricacies behind the equipment. The technical training (a.k.a. “DMV U”, like PSU or dare I say OSU) would provide greater knowledge to our employees, helping them to have a better in depth understanding of each unit of operation.

On September 13, 2006 employee meetings were held in the South conference room. The topic of discussion was one of our core Q2 messages; Striving to achieve operational excellence. These were some of the best meetings I have been to – a lot of good discussions took place. Individuals shared their ideas on what operational excellence means to them. We talked about many examples of operational excellence. Suggestions for continual improvement were made – and will be followed up. When everyone works together – great things happen!

We all have to work together in order to succeed. We have to rely on our co-workers to do the best they can before sending the product down the process stream to the next part of the operation. This idea was brought up during the 1st pancake breakfast meeting. It’s a idea that embodies the Q2 attitude. Pay attention to the job you are doing, and realize that your actions affect quality. Not only quality product but quality of life for your co-workers. You can chose to work the Q2 way or the wrong way. Q2 … pass it on!

• Breakfast meeting dates have been set. • The Team reviewed the topics for the weekly training sessions. • Discussed problems associated with “mixed messages.” An example was mentioned and clarification was given to the production employees on the team. • Team discussed the first item for training on Wednesday, 9/13/2006. (Striving to achieve operational excellence) • Follow up: Phones were installed in the two red zone areas to enhance communication and unnecessary exiting from the zones.

• The communications plan is effectively keeping all employees informed. • Discussed the need to meet with the “new supervisor training initiative” group to be sure they understand the message they are delivering is a consistent one. Meetings with the Q2 team have been set up. • The next luncheon meetings with the shifts will actually be “breakfast” meetings. • Shift training/mentoring meetings will be scheduled for 9/13 (striving to achieve operational excellence), 9/21 (paying attention to our facility and our processes), 9/26 (safety, quality, efficiencies), 10/4 (knowing that our actions influence quality). • BLT members and others are encouraged to walk through the facility when in town. This is well received by all employees.