July 31, 2026

Lean Six Sigma Training Delivers Measurable Results at Western Building Products

Company Profile

Western Building Products, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) manufacturer and distributor of doors, molding, trim, stair parts, and windows. Founded in 1946, the company serves residential and commercial construction markets throughout the Midwest, combining manufacturing, distribution, and value-added services to help builders and contractors deliver high-quality projects.

Situation

When new leadership joined the company, one of the priorities was introducing lean principles and continuous improvement throughout the organization. Jack Wallace, Director of Operations, recognized the need to develop problem-solving skills throughout the organization and equip managers, supervisors, and emerging leaders with a common framework for identifying and solving operational challenges. Having worked with WMEP at a previous employer, Jack knew the value of bringing in experienced external support to accelerate the effort.

“The team’s projects delivered results, but the bigger benefit from the training was developing leaders who know how to identify problems, analyze them, and drive improvements.”

– Jack Wallace, Director of Operations, Western Building Products

Solutions

Western Building Products partnered with WMEP to provide Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training to 18 leaders from manufacturing, operations, and administrative functions. Participants applied their training to real business improvement projects, tackling challenges in quality, workflow, productivity, and administrative efficiency. Projects included improving quality and material handling in a door-processing cell, streamlining workflow in the casing department, and significantly reducing paper usage in the office. Through these hands-on projects, participants developed practical problem-solving and continuous improvement skills that delivered measurable business results while strengthening their own leadership and professional development.

Results

Developed 18 leaders with Lean Six Sigma problem-solving skills through Yellow Belt training and hands-on projects

Reduced defects by 80% in a door-processing cell through process improvements

Cut office printing by 70% through a paper-reduction initiative

Improved workflow and organization in key manufacturing areas

Created a common language for continuous improvement across departments

Strengthened the organization’s ability to identify, analyze, and solve operational challenges

X