The contribution of planned maintenance on plant performance at Richards Bay Transnet port terminal.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of maintenance management function at Transnet Richards Bay Plant (TRP), located in Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal. The highly automated manufacturing machinery, reliable production machines and stringent health and safety legislation have hoisted the significance of the maintenance function within the manufacturing plants into the higher trajectory. Research data was solicited by conducting a survey of TRP employees who were directly and indirectly impacted by the maintenance function. A sample of 95 employees, from all hierarchical levels at TRP, participated and responded to the questionnaire. Statistical analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted. The empirical research done in this study supplemented the theory of maintenance management pertaining to the strategic role of the maintenance function within manufacturing plants. The findings of this study revealed that, the maintenance function at TRP is perceived to be an important business management function which contributes positively towards the company’s overall objectives and profitability. The study also revealed that, perceived shortcomings of the maintenance function make TRP’s maintenance function ineffective. The study also revealed TRP is a closed system manufacturing firm with a cost centre view towards the maintenance management function. The study also confirmed the positive support towards the implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) as the panacea for improvement of maintenance effectiveness. The study recommends that TPM is a maintenance strategy which must be implemented in order to improve maintenance effectiveness and manufacturing operational performance, at TRP. The recommendations with regards to the study findings and the means to ensure expeditious execution to improve the effectiveness of the maintenance function were developed and stated.