Six Sigma in small- and medium-sized enterprises: a Black Belt project in the Swedish steel industry

Many big companies around the world have solid Six Sigma infrastructures and it is easy to find in literature successful case studies. Conversely, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) generally suffer lower attention in the literature. This happens because SMEs have only recently approached the methodology; they have weaker connection with the academia; or they do not rigorously pursue the frameworks. This paper is based on a Six Sigma project in a Swedish medium-sized company that produces steel tubes mainly for hydraulic applications. The project focused on the improvement of warehouse activities related to cutting processes. This Black Belt project was part of a Six Sigma education at the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. The case study offers the opportunity to discuss general and specific issues that a SME faces in the implementation of the Six Sigma methodology and it contributes to connect academic debate to practical experience in industry.