An investigation into the need and implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in Libyan cement industry

• Main Author: Graisa, M. M.
• Published: Nottingham Trent University 2011
• Subjects: 658.2
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.629209

The international competition and the demand to increase productivity of manufacturing and production lines have attracted the management of industrial organisations from a wide spectrum to implement Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) as a tool for improving productivity and system’s output. Some Libyan companies are still facing many problems concerning maintenance activities of assets. Inadequate maintenance can have cost impact on the maintenance performance and production. Following the privatisation of the Cement industry in Libya, companies are now interested in improving productivity, reducing cost, improving maintenance procedures and reducing the negative effect on the environment. To address the above issues within the Libyan industry, this research presents an investigation into the need for implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in Libyan cement industry. TPM is a generic maintenance philosophy that transforms maintenance activities from what is considered to be the 'necessary evil' into an essential part of the business. In TPM, maintenance and downtime is integrated within the production system and scheduled as an essential part of the manufacturing process. This thesis investigates the problems facing four cement factories in Libya. Following a comprehensive literature review around the research problem; case studies, statistical data, semi-structured interviews, detailed questionnaires and site visits are utilised to evaluate and understand the problems within the four factories. Based on the analysis, this thesis suggests a new Framework and associated models for implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and identifying the key Factors to improve the overall maintenance performance.