TK Stainless

22
Efficiency improvement programs
In fiscal year 2007/08 all companies of the Stainless segment worked on implementing and further
developing their improvement programs.
The Stainless segment significantly increased the number of improvement projects carried out
under the TK best program. In the course of the fiscal year over 160 new projects were launched,
with the result that the project landscape now comprises over 650 projects. The largest share of new
projects was registered under the “Operations & Quality” and “Sales & Service” initiatives. The TK best
program makes significant contributions to earnings at ThyssenKrupp Stainless.
The “Sales & Service” initiative launched in the second half of fiscal 2006/07 was successfully
implemented at all business units of the Stainless segment thanks to the activities of two experts.
The experts supported the companies with operating project work on site and tailored workshops
and training sessions in Germany and abroad. As a result, the companies had the benefit of practical
methodology and know-how transfer.
The “Value Driven Mobilization” program (VDM) initiated by ThyssenKrupp VDM verifiably met its
targets in the course of the fiscal year - a year ahead of schedule.
The introduction of the Six Sigma project management tool in the ThyssenKrupp Stainless
segment was accelerated, initially in the German-speaking region. ThyssenKrupp Stainless currently
has altogether 31 certified employees. These activities strengthen the employees’ problem-identifying
and problem-solving competences and enable them to conduct strict project management.
ThyssenKrupp Mexinox
maintained its market position.
For Shanghai Krupp Stainless the market environment
in China remains difficult.