Through the Eastman Supplier Excellence Program, joint teams with key suppliers improve quality and value of purchased materials, equipment and services. Focused on maintaining exceptional performance levels of helping suppliers improve their performance for Eastman, the program now has approximately 70 supplier teams including suppliers of raw materials, mechanical suppliers, transportation suppliers and service companies. Key suppliers with exceptional performance records are recognized annually. Training is vital at Eastman. In addition to specific job-related training, everyone receives quality training, such as statistics, team skills, problem solving, and positive reinforcement techniques.
Supervisors act as coaches and create opportunities for employees to practice new skills.
Apprenticeship programs are in place at Eastman's major locations. The U.S. Department of Labor has recognized the Texas Eastman apprenticeship program as a role model. Shipping reliability consistently has been near 100 percent for the last four years. Since 1982, Eastman has received 152 awards from its customers. The company's no-fault return policy on its plastic products is a direct result of Eastman's extensive customer surveys.