The Drilling Machine Company: Japanization in Small-Batch Production

John Bratton

Chapter 6 in Japanization at Work, 1992, pp 131-159 from Palgrave Macmillan

Abstract: Abstract This chapter examines the introduction of new technology and a cellular production system in a small-batch, unionized environment. The company, Oil Tool Engineering, manufactures a range of equipment and valves for the oil extraction industry. In November 1986 the company introduced a package of new production and labour practices: a cellular work structure, just-in-time, total quality control, and direct worker communications. Details of the company in terms of structure and ownership, product range, and management are first outlined. The chapter then goes on to examine the changes in the labour process and management motives behind the transformation in work. The next two sections examine the effects of the changes on shopfloor workers at the plant, and the company’s employee relations strategy. The final section considers the degree of joint regulation and union sophistication.

Keywords: Team Leader; Plant Manager; Union Organization; Cellular Manufacturing; Material Requirement Planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1992
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-349-12172-4_6

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DOI: 10.1007/978-1-349-12172-4_6

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