Application of Lean Manufacturing to Increase Productivity in the Finishing Area in an Industrial Rubber Company

Abstract

This research work sought to apply the Lean Manufacturing methodology, with the purpose of improving productivity in the finishing area of a rubber company. It has been observed that, in this area, there is a low productivity, due to an absence of a culture of order and cleanliness, and a lack of production control. The application of Lean tools showed a substantial increase in productivity (from 56.47% to 75.86%), this achieving a progress of 34.33% in the finishing area. In addition, in relation to efficiency, the use of average man-hours will be improved from 75.30% to 87.90%, resulting in an improvement of 16.74%. And, according to the efficacy, an increase was found in the quantities produced, on average, which went from a value of 74.99% to 86.3%, this resulting in an increase of 15.07% in the production of 3S 200 mm rings.