 |
|
International Maintenance Company, L.L.C. recently received high marks at the Vulcan Chemicals site in Geismar, LA, for positively impacting Vulcan’s bottom line. Vulcan, like many of our customers, is dealing with the impact of natural gas prices, and solicited IMC’s help in finding ways to lower costs. The IMC group immediately responded with a proposal to restructure both the maintenance and project efforts.
Rodney Gremillion, Vulcan Maintenance Manager, had this to say about the IMC efforts,
"The partnering relationship that Vulcan has with IMC is one that has really made a difference. I am extremely pleased with the progress that we have made at the Geismar site. IMC really stepped up to the plate and helped us during these tough times by downsizing the labor force, increasing productivity, and restructuring the capital project process. Everyone on site is totally committed to doing whatever it takes. Consequently, many of the IMC employees are wearing many hats, and are more involved with the Vulcan Maintenance and Production personnel. IMC is putting forth a lot of effort and it is appreciated at both the site and corporate levels. I am also pleased with the response from the Vulcan Maintenance and Production personnel, who are working closely with IMC to make the Geismar efforts a success."
"In addition to the maintenance efforts, IMC’s increased involvement with the Vulcan Engineering group has had a positive impact as well. All small capital work is now funneled through IMC, eliminating costs of redundant administrative positions created when multiple contractors are working at the site. By implementing the Turner/ IMC management systems, IMC is able to provide the Vulcan Engineers with the type of information so vital to the success of project work. And the increased communication and cooperation between Vulcan Engineers and IMC has allowed for better coordination of project schedules, so that the capital manpower remains at an even level year round."
Savings from these changes which have been documented to date are over $4,500,000. Shown below are the positive changes recently made by International Maintenance at the Geismar site:
Decrease in workforce – Increased Productivity
Maintenance personnel numbers were decreased by 21% or 38 people, however, remaining personnel have kept up with work to be performed through increased efficiency and productivity efforts.
Lower Emergency Work Orders and Overtime
Even with a lower workforce, Vulcan and IMC’s commitment to lowering costs have resulted in decreasing overtime from 18% to 2% and Emergency Work Orders from 40% to 15%.
Improved Scheduling
By working closely with Vulcan Maintenance and Production, weekly schedules are more accurate and efforts to adhere to the schedules have helped IMC operate more efficiently with less people.
Improved Small Capital Process
Turner’s Project Control System (PCS) was implemented to provide better estimating, tracking, and projection capabilities. IMC is working more closely with Project Engineers to ensure that projects are prioritized and scheduled 6 months in advance so that peaks and valleys in manning is eliminated or minimized.
On Site Pipe Fabrication
Vulcan’s commitment to IMC’s planning and execution of the small capital work has increased the need for fast turnover of pipe fabrication. IMC is fabrication the vast majority of this pipe on site, minimizing field delays.
Back to Index
|
|
