Sambil Charles Mukwakungu, Sandisiwe Nqobile Ndlovu, Nomthandazo Nkosi, Charles Mbohwa
Abstract
The South African government advocates that all products used in the country should be locally manufactured. With the manufacturing industry thus increasing, companies are facing challenges. This study focuses on Phaswana Textile and Manufacturing, a company operating in Westonaria, Johannesburg, attempting to establish a footprint in the local manufacturing industry. The company primarily manufactures personal protective equipment (PPE), corporate uniforms and hospital scrubs. The implementation of Lean methodology is examined in a case study at this company to investigate how its operational efficiency can be enhanced by implementing such a methodology. A qualitative study was used to acquire data collected through interviews with the staff who agreed to participate in this study. The interviews helped the researchers acquire information about the company’s current manufacturing process and other challenges. The findings showed that the company is challenged by wastage of material, long lead times, unmanaged manufacturing processes, and long idling times. The findings also indicated that no Lean methodologies were implemented in this organisation. The study recommends the company’s management train its employees, build a waste- management culture, and align the Just in Time principles with the strategic objectives of Lean.