Continuous Improvement

The team at Ice Industries is committed to continuously improve the effectiveness of our processes and quality management systems. This is achieved through the use of internal audit results, the analysis of the data we collect, corrective and preventive actions, and our management review process.

Internal Audits
Process, product and QMS systems audits are scheduled and regularly performed to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of our core and support processes. These audit findings are distributed to the team and discussed in specific detail during management reviews. Identified weaknesses are addressed using a structured problem-solving process.

Analysis of Data
Improvement projects are chosen, tracked, monitored and validated by analyzing both the collected and study data. We have a team of Six Sigma Black Belts at each of our manufacturing facilities who are focused on identifying waste and process improvement opportunities. This team of skillful practitioners leads projects, trains our employees on their tools, and then shares and implements those successes at all of the Ice Industries plants. Projects are selected and prioritized based on data and potential payback. The process for ongoing validation is determined and regularly audited to ensure that gains are maintained. Benchmarking and lessons learned practices are used extensively to share improvements throughout the Ice Industries family of companies.  

Corrective and Preventive Actions
Ice Industries utilizes a team-oriented, formally structured, problem-solving process to identify causes and prevent recurrence. Error-proofing methods are commonly used and applied to similar processes where applicable.

Management Review
Ice Industries is an ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 14001 Certified Company. Our management team meets on a monthly basis to review and assess the continued effectiveness and efficiency performance of our COPS, SOPS and MOPS. Both strategic business objectives and manufacturing performance goals are monitored and reviewed. The process owners present the effectiveness and efficiency measures to their management team. These are thoroughly reviewed and course corrections or action plans are implemented in a timely manner to improve performance where applicable.

The performance of our highest level COPS is reviewed every quarter. These formal reviews drive improvement initiatives that ultimately lead to lower costs and improved customer satisfaction.

Ice Industries strives to continuously improve our products, processes and people for the satisfaction of our customers and our owners.