Seaman named winner of 2012 ‘Perfect Engine’ award

Ohio company cited for continuous improvement philosophy

Wooster, Ohio-based Seaman Corp., manufacturer of geomembranes and industrial fabrics, was announced via an Aug. 22 press release as the 2012 recipient of the “Perfect Engine” award, recognizing the company’s commitment to a continuous improvement philosophy and success with “lean” enterprises.

With manufacturing facilities in Wooster, and in Bristol, Tenn., Seaman is a global producer of XR technology geomembrane liners, industrial fabrics used in FiberTite roof systems, Shelter-Rite truck tarps, and architectural structures and for various recreational, government, and military products as well as for other applications.

The press release noted that the award was presented by TBM Consulting Group, a global operation improvement leader for the manufacturing and service sectors. The award recognizes Seaman’s commitment to LeanSigma, an initiative that uses statistical information and analysis to measure and improve efficiencies and overall performance as well as quality service and employee morale.

The “Perfect Engine” award was presented during Seaman’s annual strategic planning meeting, Aug. 21, at the Shisler Center in Wooster, the release said.

“We are very pleased to receive this award,” said Richard Seaman, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer of. “Our entire organization has embraced the LeanSigma philosophy. As a result, we have made significant improvements in cost structure by driving waste out of all of our processes.”

Among those attending the award presentation was state of Ohio auditor, Dave Yost. He recalled that during his 2010 election campaign, Richard Seaman advised him to learn about LeanSigma if he was serious about sharpening the effectiveness of government, according to the press release.

When he took office in 2011, Yost said he took Seaman’s advice and championed the concept throughout state government, joined by Gov. John Kasich in an effort to improve efficiency and fundamentally change the way Ohio government does business.

Also attending the presentation were Dan Cecil, director of the Ohio Performance Team charged with integrating LeanSigma into state government, and Christiane Schmenk, director of the Ohio Department of Development.

Previous “Perfect Engine” award winners include Pella Corp., Hubbell, Hayward Pool Products, Vermeer Corp., Pactiv, and Carlisle Cos.