TRW Automotive is one of the world's 10 largest automotive suppliers and is one of the top financial performers in the industry with 2004 sales of nearly $12.0 billion. The company supplies more than 40 major vehicle manufacturers and nearly 250 nameplates and holds positions in all of its primary product categories. The company launched its Six Sigma training in 2001, which allowed TRW to establish and globally train more than 9,000 Green Belts, 500 Black Belts and more than 25 Master Black Belts. These individuals work in manufacturing, transactional and engineering disciplines with a focus on quantifiable, statistical results in addition to a Cadre of more than 140 full-time lean promotions officers who carry out Kaizen type workshops throughout the organization. Headquartered in Livonia, Mich., TRW Automotive is a publicly owned company that employs nearly 60,000 people. TRW Automotive also has a branch located in Fowlerville, Mich.