Global yet local: Focus Scotland

Scotland was an early and enthusiastic adopter of Six Sigma, driven in no small part by its huge electronics sector. Up until a few years ago Motorola alone had 5000 employees in Scotland, the value of its exports exceeding those of the entire whisky industry. “Silicon Glen” is now a lot smaller as manufacturing operations have transferred to low-cost economies but if you think it follows that Six Sigma would have gone the same way, think again! There is currently unprecedented Six Sigma activity in Scotland, in organizations of all sizes and across sectors. Significantly, this includes Japanese manufacturers, SMEs, biotechnology and professional services as well as the Financial Sector. What has prompted this new interest? Along with the global Six Sigma trend, more OEMs are encouraging their suppliers to adopt the methodology. However, there are local factors too. Glasgow Caledonian University has a renowned and very active Centre for Research in Six Sigma and Process Improvement Techniques (CRISSPI) which hosts international conferences every year as well as regular workshops and seminars focused on specific market sectors. In addition, the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service has helped companies to identify opportunities where Six Sigma can improve their competitive position. Quality Scotland with its brief to drive excellence is promoting Six Sigma and will soon begin to offer services including public training. Recognising the benefits to public and private sectors, the Scottish Parliament hosted a seminar entitled “Why Scotland Needs Six Sigma” in 2006. There is one remaining ingredient in this recipe for success and that is the Motorola diaspora. Those 5000 ex-employees have been absorbed into every corner of industry in Scotland and it seems that their message is getting through.

Moore Allison - Six Sigma Scotland
Copyright 2007 Six Sigma City