Change and Learning Processes When Implementing Total Productive Maintenance – A Case Study in the Food Processing Industry

Abstract

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is a manufacturing strategy that aims to eliminate equipment loss in the manufacturing process. Our case study examines a food processing company in Sweden where implementation of TPM was begun but has not gone as smoothly as expected. The principal problem appears to have been around a resistance to change among the personnel due to a variety of unknown factors. The aim of our study was to identify the causes of the resistance and to offer recommendations on how to accelerate the implementation of TPM. The research used qualitative interviews with a large cross section of employees within the organization. One of the principal conclusions of the research is that successful implementation of TPM requires support from senior management within the organization, and should involve the people who will be affected by TPM in its planning and implementation.