Improving and measuring productivity at AMPAGLAS S.A. (Pty) Ltd

Abstract

AMPAGLAS SA Pty (Ltd) is the leading rigid plastic sheeting manufacturer in South Africa and produces high quality plastic sheets for the automotive, building, security and display industries.

Three opportunities for improvement exist at AMPAGLAS:

1. Re-evaluating the number of packers employed and on duty, 2. Reducing the strip and clean time of extruders and streamlining the process, and 3. An efficient method of recording, monitoring and analyzing machine downtime and plant efficiency.

The purpose of this project is to address all three opportunities and submit relevant suggestions to improve and measure productivity. This report documents a literature study on relevant topics, methodologies and alternative methods to be used in this project. It also analyses relevant data gained through time studies and other methods, and relates suggested solutions.

Through simulation it is found that the number of packers employed may be reduced to increase productivity. A detailed analysis of some elements of the strip and clean process revealed that at least 20 per cent time is wasted during the procedure. Lastly, a comprehensive information system was developed to accurately record and communicate relevant plant effectiveness statistics.