The History of QualPro: From Y-12 to Global Success
In the 47 years that D. Ray Smith worked at Y-12, he witnessed many changes and played a role in implementing some of them. One significant change was the introduction of the Pride Circles program, which aimed to improve productivity through recognition, involvement, and development of employees. This initiative was inspired by the Japanese Quality Circles and was implemented alongside the growing popularity of Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s statistical process control method.
A Pioneer in Quality Control
Dr. W. Edwards Deming, renowned for his work in statistical process control, gained recognition in the United States after teaching his methods to the Japanese. Smith recalls attending one of Dr. Deming’s seminars and witnessing his unique teaching style. During the seminar, a senior manager from Y-12 asked a question, to which Dr. Deming responded with an unexpected twist. This incident highlighted the importance of understanding the principles of statistical process control.
Y-12’s Role in Quality Control
Y-12 was ahead of its time when it came to implementing statistical process control, with operations in various areas of the plant already utilizing these techniques in 1964. Charles “Chuck” Holland, the Quality Manager at Y-12, played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the nation’s nuclear weapons program. Y-12 takes pride in never missing a scheduled shipment of nuclear weapons secondaries during the entire Cold War.
Enter QualPro: The Birth of MVT
Dr. Charles Holland, inspired by his work at Y-12 and his collaboration with Dr. Deming, founded QualPro with the goal of helping American companies improve their processes. QualPro quickly gained recognition, with Dr. Holland being labeled as one of Dr. Deming’s original Deming Masters. The company introduced a new approach called Multiple Variable Testing (MVT), which involved designing experiments that altered several variables simultaneously. This approach proved more effective than traditional one-variable testing in identifying process improvements.
From Automotive to Global Impact
Initially focused on major automotive companies and their suppliers, QualPro soon expanded its services to various industries, including retail, insurance, telecommunications, financial services, and healthcare. The company’s success skyrocketed, with QualPro being ranked among the “5,000 Fastest Growing Private Companies” by Inc. magazine. Over the years, QualPro has tested hundreds of thousands of business improvement ideas, resulting in substantial bottom-line improvements for their clients.
The Reach of QualPro
QualPro’s success has not gone unnoticed, with the company being featured in numerous publications such as Forbes, BusinessWeek, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal. They have also been showcased on CNN, CNBC, and Fox Business. While QualPro’s home office is located in Solway, just south of Oak Ridge, their main focus is working directly with companies and organizations across the nation. Oak Ridge can proudly count QualPro among its success stories, and there are undoubtedly many more businesses in the area that have thrived thanks to the city’s technological developments.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The market can expect increased demand for QualPro’s services as companies seek process improvements. QualPro’s success and recognition in various industries will further enhance their reputation and attract more clients, leading to potential growth in revenue and market share.
