Total Productive Maintenance fundamentals and applications in continuous manufacturing systems. Tetra Pak Closures Italy case study.

The Total Productive Maintenance is a worldwide model promoted by the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance, now actively adopted in process industries. It extends beyond production departments as one of the key to reach high productivity, excellent quality standards, low cost and short lead times. Tetra Pak Closures Italy started to adopt this approach in 2013 and since then the business results have improved dramatically. Over the years the number of companies applying JIPM strategies is constantly increasing and TPM program fundamentals are developed in in the process environment. TPM methods are declined and integrated in each company functions, with a pillar structure and each of them has to apply the methodology by following the pillar route. Changing the way of people think to create a a pleasant and cohesive work environment is the aim of the TPM application. Autonomous maintenance is one of the most important building blocks of the program and the high interaction between man and equipment is object of continuous improvement. Along with theoretical methodology the TPM application is based on actions and tangible results. To appreciate TPM most practical declination is important to underline the improvement evidence, focusing on the product and on the production process in place.