The process of improvement with the application of lean manufacturing in a steel company

Achieving and maintaining the high market position requires tremendous flexibility of a steel company in responding to changing market conditions. Only these companies that can take advantage of new functioning opportunities, in particular innovations in management and technology, gain an advantage over competitors. For this purpose, the most efficient methods and management tools are used that eliminate the losses, human errors, and thus-reduce costs. This paper presents Lean Manufacturing methodology as a popular method of improving organizational processes, waste elimination and cost reduction in a steel company. The article highlights the importance of Lean Manufacturing method and tools in quality increase and sustainability of steel companies in the market. The process of setting these tools began in 1992 due to metallurgy industry restructuring in Poland. Based on its effects a new concept of management was created e.g. of gradual adapting new management methods and tools to enterprises including steel companies (Just in Time, Total Quality Management, Outsourcing, Reengineering, Lean Manufacturing etc.) [1]. ArcelorMittal is one of the examples as well as many other steelworks located in the Silesian area. The article presents the process of implementation in a steel company the elements of production system organized according to Lean Manufacturing (LM) rules.