Continuous improvement through suggestions

Learn how, having initiated operational excellence in 2009, Minerals Technologies Inc.,, proceeded to develop a world class suggestion system. Discover the key design features of a high performing suggestion system and how such a system can transform the culture of a business to one of daily problem solving.

Minerals Technologies Inc., is a resource- and technology-based company that develops, produces and markets worldwide a broad range of specialty mineral, mineral-based and synthetic mineral products and related systems and services. It is the world’s leading producer of precipitated calcium carbonate. www.mineralstech.com

Paul Smiles joined Minerals Technologies Inc., in 2000 and, in 2008, became plant manager of the precipitated calcium carbonate manufacturing facility in Lifford, U.K. Under his stewardship, Lifford was awarded the internal chairman’s award for operational excellence in 2012. Smiles is a member of the company's operational excellence facilitation team (OEFT), a cross functional, global team that assists with training, auditing and a variety of other support mechanisms for the firm's OE journey. He has a master's degree in chemical engineer from the University of Leeds. 

Michelle Weber is the plant manager of Minerals Technologies Health and Beauty Solutions facility located in Lousiana. She has over 21 years of operations, laboratory and quality management experience, specializing in cosmetic, OTC drug, and Rx skin care manufacturing. She leads a staff of 40 highly trained individuals, oversees several tolling locations and guides the facility's CI activities. Under her leadership, Health and Beauty Solutions received the 2016 MTI Operational Excellence Chairman’s Award. Weber is a member of the company's operational excellence facilitation team (OEFT), a cross functional, global team that assists with training, auditing and a variety of other support mechanisms for the firm's OE journey.