If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire … the A-Team. For fans of classic TV, the image of Colonel John Hannibal Smith assembling a highly skilled squad to tackle global missions comes to mind. At Holcim (US) Inc., a similar concept is alive and t

In the world of industrial operations, plant departments mirror the dynamics of a family—each role interdependent and collaborative. When we compare departments to family roles, the operations team often acts as the strategic decision‑maker—the wife—while maintenance functions as the dependable part

Companies often wonder if a decentralized maintenance structure can support effective planning and scheduling. The answer is a resounding yes—both centralized and decentralized teams need robust planning to achieve high productivity. Centralized maintenance units are typically strong at creating det

Steven R. Covey advises to start with the end in mind. While sound, many leaders wonder how to chart a path when the destination is unclear. In a world where equipment evolves, markets shift, personnel change, and expectations rise, the future is perpetually in flux.When I first stepped into mainten

Leading organizational change is crucial for successful maintenance and reliability (M&R) improvement. Yet many leaders focus on high‑tech tools and data analysis, while overlooking the cultural shifts that truly drive lasting results. In my decade‑long experience benchmarking M&R practices

Many organizations still rely on reactive maintenance—reacting to breakdowns and budget surprises as routine events. Transitioning to a dependable, cost‑effective environment is a formidable challenge that requires more than software installation; it demands a comprehensive cultural, process, and ch

A maintenance program is only as effective as the quality of its measurement data. Inaccurate or incomplete data can misdirect analysis, causing teams to focus on the wrong issues. Well‑structured data‑collection procedures are the most reliable way to guarantee high‑quality data. Yet many facilitie

American manufacturers awarded maintenance employees an average pay increase of 3.06% in 2008, a sharp rise from the modest 1.31% in 2007 and the most substantial jump since 2004’s 3.09% increase. This finding comes from Compdata Surveys, a leading compensation research firm, and was compiled for Re

On December 8, Zep Inc. announced a 5 % reduction in non‑sales personnel in response to a sharp decline in customer orders and persistent high raw‑material costs. The downturn began in October, prompting a new round of workforce cuts in November, with most reductions slated for completion by the end

Reliability Excellence (Rx) is a proven catalyst for evolutionary change, delivering significant benefits and extraordinary results when implemented successfully. IndustryWeek’s survey of 884 U.S. companies revealed that 72% were in various stages of adopting improvement strategies such as lean manu

While many reliability programs focus on critical assets, few grasp the full significance of a criticality ranking. In reality, the critical assets are those that most directly influence the plant’s mission—whether that’s production rate, product quality, or cost efficiency. Reliability specialists

The growing waste produced by manufacturing processes is a pressing concern for companies and regulators alike. Manufacturers must adopt alternative processes that meet environmental standards while maintaining profitability.Reliability Excellence (Rx) is a business philosophy that drives cultural c

According to the North American Die Casting Association’s (NADCA) 2008 Annual Wage & Fringe Benefits Survey, maintenance personnel earned a 36% increase in wages from 2007 to 2008, while CNC operators experienced a 34% decline. This stark contrast highlights shifting priorities within the indust

In today’s competitive market, distinguishing yourself in maintenance and reliability is essential. Adding the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) designation to your name and résumé signals expertise, confidence, and a commitment to excellence.Unlike other certifications, the CM

The economic downturn is, or will soon, affect every one of us, forcing maintenance departments to do more with less. When personnel are reduced, the challenge is to keep operations running smoothly while the workforce shrinks. A short‑sighted response is to abandon condition monitoring (CM) entirel

At SAPPI GmbH in Germany, condition monitoring has long been the backbone of operational excellence. The Ehingen paper mill—one of seven European plants—produces roughly 250,000 tonnes of paper annually, contributing to SAPPI Fine Paper Europe’s 2.7 million‑tonne global output. While the industry i

Solvay’s largest chemical facility in Tavaux, France, has achieved 10‑15 % gains in maintenance productivity by deploying Emerson Process Management’s AMS Suite predictive‑maintenance platform. With a total of 15,000 field devices—over 20 % classified as complex instruments—Solvay needed a robust di

For more background, read the original story at Textron Newsroom. Lycoming Engines’ senior leadership team convenes every week to cover inventory turns, supplier relations, new product development, and safety. What sets these meetings apart is the presence of two senior representatives from the loca

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Precision Industrial Maintenance Inc. for alleged willful and serious violations of safety and health standards after an employee was fatally overcome by vapors while inside a tanker truck. The Schenectady, N.Y

Would you bet $10 to win $1,000, or invest $10 to avoid a $1,000 loss? Most people would choose the gamble, but in business, the stakes are different. Consider a real‑world scenario: MegaWhatt, a regional power producer, allocated $10 million to repair a 100‑MW natural gas turbine generator. After e