iSixSigma, the well-known Six Sigma resource site, has an interesting blog, SixSigmaCompanies. Many of the posts detail the Six Sigma activities at well-known companies, such as Whirlpool, CIGNA, American Standard, and Maytag. Others are interviews with people such as Craig Gygi, co-author of Six Sigma for Dummies.
The Lean world has been meshing with Six Sigma for several years, and many consultants are now touting the concept of "Lean Sigma". There are obviously benefits, drawbacks, and optimum applications of each concept. As the blog notes in the post on Whirlpool,
"Just like clothes need a washer and dryer to get clean, Whirlpool has been using Six Sigma and Lean to scrub away inefficiencies. The latest savings report totaled $175 million in the first three years. Operational Excellence at Whirlpool does more than just cut costs, it has also been know to shorten cycle times while increasing quality and productivity."
Just one more example of the success of Six Sigma and Lean. Take a look at the SixSigmaCompanies to keep an eye on the Six Sigma world.