World Class Manufacturing
World Class in the industrial world is a synonym for Excellence.
The concept of World Class Manufacturing includes strategies such as Total Quality Control (TQC), Just in Time (JIT), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and others regarding management, technology and services. It could be said that WCM is an extension of TPM in which other concepts such as safety, the environment, customer services, total control of product quality, development of staff and cost reduction have been added to its basic pillars, being supported by the solid base of the 6S´s methodology. This gives an idea of the customer-based focus of this industrial model.
An example of the high level achieved in the implementation of the World Class Manufacturing methodology is the Bronze Prize awarded to ArcelorMittal Sestao on 20th April 2007.
Based on continuous improvement, WCM studies and predicts breakdowns of machines and facilities. It also enables improvements in the quality of processes and products and the reduction of costs through the optimisation of the overall efficiency of machines and facilities and the continuous reduction of losses. This system promotes the participation of people in the elimination of losses and safety risks, and it involves also subcontracted companies.