Personnel participation as a key factor for success in maintenance program implementation : A case study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to put forward the methodology and most important aspects used at the Spanish group of timber companies Grupo Losán to design and implement a satisfactory preventive maintenance program in the manufacture of melamine and veneers in accordance with continuous improvement and TPM philosophy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on empirical evidence from one case study and develops a framework for improvement in continuous improvement management for company competitiveness. Findings – The authors judge the difficulty in implementing a continuous improvement culture to be caused by the complexity of obtaining commitment and involvement from the personnel most affected by the project. In this context, a participative approach and a suitable methodology for implementation are key factors that are not always taken into account by companies. This experience also proposes the important role that researchers can play as “agents of change” from a viewpoint of “action research”. Practical implications – The management experience provides companies with a useful guideline to implement continuous improvement culture not only in the maintenance area, but also in supply chain management. Originality/value – The case study covers a gap in the research field on the lack of implementing guidelines which aid adopting continuous improvement in companies.