MRAP Delivered Increased Production Rates Using Lean Six Sigma

Written by Brion October 5, 2011November 18, 2018

In 2007, the United States Military needed the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP) produced in larger numbers to meet the goals set by Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Robert Gates. The MRAP represented the opportunity to save the lives of soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan facing the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Using Lean Six Sigma, the management and workforce at the Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center facility in Charleston (South Carolina) was able to significantly increase production volume of the MRAP using rapid improvement events (RIE). The team was able to exceed the goal of 50 vehicles per day. This implementation of Lean Six Sigma directly impacted the fight against the threat of IEDs (previously 70% of casualties), which saved lives.