PIKETON, Ohio - The Organics Analytical Section of USEC’s Portsmouth Analytical Laboratory has successfully attained Six Sigma Quality status in its analysis of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Method 624, which is a nationally used method for EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) permit surface water samples.

Six Sigma is a breakthrough quality improvement strategy. It is a statistical-business initiative designed to achieve world-class quality (virtual defect free performance) and dramatically improve competitiveness. Achieving an overall quality level of Six Sigma indicates that only three quality defects in a million will occur on average, a level that is currently considered a world-class measure of excellence.

Plant Statistician Brian Lanning serves as the Portsmouth Laboratory’s Six Sigma Black Belt as certified by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). He worked with Section Manager Pam Sprouse and the employees in the Organics section to attain Six Sigma quality levels in their processes.

“Six Sigma achievement is a prime example of the drive that USEC Laboratory employees have to achieve at the highest quality levels,” said Gary Workman, Organization Manager, Production Support. “This unique accomplishment gives the Portsmouth Laboratory an advantage in developing new business opportunities."

The United States Enrichment Corporation is a subsidiary of USEC Inc. (NYSE: USU), a global energy company and the world’s leading supplier of enriched uranium fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.

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