Lean manufacturing implementation in ceramic industry: A case study

Abstract

This paper aims at proving that lean manufacturing can be successfully implemented in a semi-process industry, to reduce defects, waste, waiting time, processing time, inventory, and space. A case study was performed on a medium sized ceramic industry which resulted in waiting time reduction by 32%, processing time reduction by 1.02%, reduction in inventory by 36%, defects reduction (average) by 40.51%, reduction in manpower by 6.85% and cost saving of US $ 0.61 million in one financial year. It might represent new opportunities for lean practitioners/researchers who are interested in substantiating their lean endeavors in semi-process industries.