Improvement of steel melting operations at a Caribbean company: a lean manufacturing approach

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of deploying lean manufacturing (LM) techniques in a Caribbean steel manufacturing firm. To conduct the study, a comprehensive review of literature was performed. The problems faced by the company were analysed using value stream mapping in conjunction with 5-why and fishbone quality tools. The study shows that the lead time can be reduced by 37%, reduction in processing time by 7.5% and reduction in work-in-process inventory by (71%). Overall, the study not only provides a road map for similar manufacturing companies elsewhere to achieve operational leanness but it is also valuable for academic community to gain insights into the practicality of the proposed LM strategies. However, the research findings are based on a single case study and results have been validated by simulation.