An investigation into lean practices in the Maltese manufacturing industry

Abstract

This investigation was carried out within five (5) manufacturing companies located in Malta. Semi-structured interview was conducted with the managers driving these Lean initiatives within their respective company. There is a mixture in the size and industry sectors of these companies. The aim was to observe and highlight key success factors, difficulties and barriers when implementing Lean projects in order to have the desired company’s benefits. Most manufacturing firms have been forced by their environment to reduce their operating costs in order to remain competitive. A Lean concept program was launched within all five (5) manufacturing plants. Lean management focuses mainly on the reduction of waste, identifying and eliminating the non-value added activities that have direct impact on the operational costs. It is anticipated that these initiatives will permit the companies to reduce the operating costs, enabling them to be more cost competitive. The focal point of this study is to highlight the claimed benefits and difficulties faced by manufacturing companies when implementing Lean methodology. The investigation confirms some of the claimed benefits and issues mentioned in the literature. However this study also reveals that some fundamental principles of Lean haven’t been implemented effectively enough in some of the investigated companies, and therefore need more focus and effort. In the conclusion research implications, recommendations, limitations of this investigation, and areas for further research, were identified.