David Leigh embodies all that is great about Empower and Go in action at Tirlán

The Baltinglass native and avid Liverpool supporter have been awarded the Lean Sigma Quality White Belt through Atlantic Technological University Sligo. He said the productivity-boosting programme was challenging, it was very tough in places. But with the support of his work colleagues in the Tirlán plant in Ballitore, he never gave up. He excelled!

“I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to achieve this. Even going for the White Belt accreditation pushed me out of my comfort zone: I’m delighted to have achieved it,” David said. “There were loads of slides and presentations to go through. As part of my presentation, I had to talk about the Academy in Tirlán. It was a challenge. But with support from my mentor, Richie, I got through it and I got the accreditation. There was also great support from IT Sligo in terms of explanations, videos and more. I’m delighted. 

Tirlán's White Belt 

Tirlán, in collaboration with ATU Sligo, offers a comprehensive free White Belt training as part of the Excellence Academy. This training is designed to introduce the Tirlán team to the Lean Six Sigma methodology, focusing on the ‘DMAIC Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) problem-solving approach and providing a foundation in Lean principles and tools. The programme is delivered online, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.

The White Belt training is part of Tirlán's commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. It equips employees with the skills necessary to contribute to Tirlán's Lean initiatives and drive efficiency and quality across the organisation. 

Greater confidence 

“It has given me greater confidence and I’m now ready for my next challenge and plan to progress to a Yellow Belt next year. I think it’s important to try new things, learn new things. All these new learnings help me in my work which involves everything from managing PPE for the teams to stock control, sorting wage slips to ensuring we have adequate office supplies on the site.”

David is believed to be the first person in Ireland with Downs Syndrome to achieve the White Belt and says he’s blossomed and has had tremendous support on the job for over two decades. 

Bumps in the Road 

“I’m here 24 years now. There’s been lots of change over that time. The buildings have changed. They layout has changed. Lots of people have come and gone. There were some bumps in the road. Some of my old friends here have retired and I really miss those people. They were a huge part of my life. That has been tough. But there are always new characters coming in.

“I absolutely love working here. I love my work. I have very good friends here and when I need help, there are plenty of people willing to help me, support me. There are some things I can’t do. But with the support of other people, there’s lots I can do.

“The banter is very good, particularly when Liverpool are playing well. The craic between different supporters is great. The food in the canteen here is very good and the ladies there really look after me, they know what I like. And what I don’t like. It’s great to be somewhere you love, with great people around you and to be getting paid for it.”

David’s passion, determination and generosity have rubbed off on his colleagues around him. As well as being heavily involved in the plant’s social events, which include race days, the Christmas party and more, David recently raised over €2,000 for Daffodil Day with the support of his colleagues in Ballitore who were only too happy to rally round and dig deep.

Yellow Belt Accreditation 

David’s Yellow Belt programme will see him complete five modules, supported by the business section at Tirlán. Site Manager, Paddy Cotter, has helped David choose his project for the next accreditation. It will focus on inventory management, stock and rotation, accreditation which will support David even further in his role.

“You couldn’t find a better crew that we have here. I wouldn’t have got the White Belt without them. Some of the questions on the programme were tough. We had to do a bit of research and digging, look at footnotes and videos to work out exactly what they wanted from me.

“They’ve been equally helpful guiding me for my Yellow Belt. My advice to anyone taking on a new challenge like this accreditation is to accept first off that it will be difficult but to understand that with support from people around you, you will get through it. 

Tirlán living by its values

“I’m delighted I did the accreditation and it was great to be recognised by Mick O’Leary when the ELT roadshow came to town recently. It was a great occasion. That recognition and what I experience here every day I come in to work shows that Tirlán is really living by its values here in Ballitore when it comes to Empower and Go.”

Inclusivity within the team

Tirlán is a global food and nutrition business and its purpose is to nourish lives in balance with nature, working as a community with our farmers and our employees, Michael O’Leary Chief People, Org Design and DEI Office, explained.

“Tirlán is evolving to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation. We know that diversity in all its forms leads to greater innovation, better decision-making, higher performance and better business outcomes. 

“Our corporate value, “Celebrate Individuality” reflects our aspirations for a more inclusive culture, one which embraces other perspectives and welcomes difference. This means creating an environment where everyone is valued and feels that they can bring their true self to work every day. 

“We are committed to attracting more diverse talent to better reflect our global footprint, while also enriching our thinking and perspectives for better outcomes. While we have made some progress, we remain committed to sustained progress over time. 

“We are very fortunate to have long-serving team members like David who take themselves outside of their comfort zone, challenge themselves to learn new and better ways of doing things. While he says he’s very fortunate to have a great team around him, I know from meeting him and his work colleagues that they get much more from working with David than they could ever repay him in terms of any supports they might offer him along the way.”