Dobson, NC – October 29, 2019.  Seven Renfro Corporation executives completed the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course through Surry Community College’s Customized Industry Training program, resulting in a total projected annual savings of $1.2 million for the company.

Renfro Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, merchandising and selling of legwear products in North America and selected international markets.

“We are fortunate to have a partner like Surry Community College to guide us through the Six Sigma process. The identified savings are substantial, and the learnings that were garnered through the training will continue to provide value to Renfro. We look forward to continuing to work with the SCC team,” commented Stan Jewell, Renfro Corporation CEO and President.

Dr. Ronald Fite, Continuous Improvement Industry Trainer for the North Carolina Community College System, taught the class at Renfro Corporation’s location in Mount Airy. He is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Lean Master. The course was attended by Renfro Corporation employees: Aaron Alldaffer, Supply Chain Analyst; Tom McCluskey, Industrial Engineer; Chris Sparks, R&D Project Manager; Jonah Buelin, Vice President of Distribution; Taylor Shaw, Compliance and Logistics Analyst; Phil Thacker, Director of Engineering; and Kundan Karna, Director of International Accounting.

The eight-week training included a full-day of classes each week plus project assignments. At the course ending, students took an exam and then presented to upper level management cost reduction practices implemented from the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training. The students received Lean Six Sigma Green Belt graduation certificates on Sept. 26.

Surry Community College is annually rated in the top five community colleges in North Carolina for the number of training projects that assist new and existing industries.

“We are proud to say for the last two years, Surry Community College has been ranked No. 1 in the number of customized industry training projects, competing against metropolitan community colleges in Raleigh and Charlotte,” said Dr. David Shockley, SCC President. “That speaks volumes about how hard working our staff is in reaching out to business and industry in Surry and Yadkin counties and providing training solutions and assistance in our rural service area.”

Sam Brim is the Director of Business and Industry Services for Surry Community College and the contact point for these training resources.

“Through our Workforce Technologies and Community Education Division, Surry Community College offers programs and training services to assist new and existing businesses and industries to remain productive, profitable, and within the local communities. Surry Community College can bring employee training directly to you at your facilities, designed to accommodate your specific business needs.”

Training topics cover regulatory methods, continuous improvement practices, leadership skills, technical preparation, pre-employment requirements, and international import/export procedures.

“Surry Community College’s Customized Training Services continues to be a great resource that helps our local companies grow and become more sustainable from a business perspective,” said Todd Tucker, President of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership, Inc. “This service is also a great marketing tool that we use when talking to other companies interested in Surry County. I recommend all companies reach out to Surry Community College to discuss their training needs.”

To learn more contact about Customized Industry Training through Surry Community College, contact Sam Brim at (336) 386-3684 or brims@surry.edu.

Photo Caption

Renfro Corporation employees are recognized for graduating from Six Sigma Green Belt training provided by Surry Community College. They are accompanied by representatives from Renfro Corporation and Surry Community College.  (Pictured left to right): Sam Brim, Director of Business and Industry Services, Surry Community College; Stonie Stone, Senior Vice President Corporate Marketing,  Renfro Corporation; Dr. David Shockley, President, Surry Community College; Taylor Shaw, Six Sigma Green Belt Graduate, Renfro Corporation; Phil Thacker, Six Sigma Green Belt Graduate, Renfro Corporation; Jonah Buelin, Six Sigma Green Belt Graduate, Renfro Corporation; Jay Robinson, Senior Vice President Performance Brand Development, Renfro Corporation; Chris Sparks, Six Sigma Green Belt Graduate, Renfro Corporation;  Bob Buckman, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain, Renfro Corporation; Tom McCluskey, Six Sigma Green Belt Graduate, Renfro Corporation; Stan Jewell, Chief Executive Officer and President, Renfro Corporation; Aaron Alldaffer, Six Sigma Green Belt Graduate, Renfro Corporation; Cathleen Allred, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Renfro Corporation; Kundan Karna, Six Sigma Green Belt Graduate, Renfro Corporation; and Michael Everly, Chief Information Officer, Renfro Corporation.

About Surry Community College

Surry Community College was founded in 1964 and the campus is located in Dobson, North Carolina. As one of the state’s 58 community colleges, it serves Surry and Yadkin counties. The college also operates four off-campus learning centers: The Yadkin Center, Yadkinville; the Center for Public Safety, Mount Airy; The Pilot Center, Pilot Mountain; and The Elkin Center in Elkin. Surry offers degrees, diplomas or certificate programs in Advanced Manufacturing; Agricultural Science; Arts and Design; Business and Computer Technologies; College Transfer; Construction Technologies; Emergency Medical; Fire and Rescue; Health Sciences; Law Enforcement; Public Service; and Transportation System Technologies areas along with hundreds of continuing education courses and seminars in a variety of fields. The college, under the direction of President Dr. David R. Shockley, has a mission to promote personal growth and community development to a diverse population through excellence in teaching, learning, and service. For more information, go to www.surry.edu. The college also has a strong social media presence. To visit these sites, go to www.surry.edu/follow-us.