Production Planning

Abstract

Riordan Industries (RI) is a Fortune 1000 enterprise with revenues in excess of one billion dollars (UOP, 2009). Riordan Manufacturing is a plastic production plant that specializes in plastic design manufacturing and fan production (UOP, 2009). Educational Learning Team A was recently presented with the opportunity to research and explore Riordan Manufacturing electric fan production and operations. Upon completing a thorough analysis of Riordan, Team A yielded the following process improvements for fan manufacturing: a new process design and supply chain process and strategic capacity planning and lean production.

Production Plan for Riordan Manufacturing

In 2000, Riordan Manufacturing expanded its fan production and relocated from Pontiac, Michigan to Hangzhou, China (UOP, 2009). Riordan's fan production is part of a joint venture with Chinese nationals (UOP, 2009). Educational Learning Team A conducted a precise analysis of fan production and operations at Riordan. Team A examined the following factors for Riordan fan manufacturing in China: supply chain, production processes, shipping procedures, and inventory. Considering those factors, Team A developed a new and improved process design and supply chain process for electric fan production, which emphasizes strategic capacity planning and lean production.

New Process Design and Supply Chain Process

Riordan's process design and supply chain process for fan manufacturing involves three significant components: inventory, shipping, and the production process (UOP, 2009). Those components are supported by an affiliated third party Chinese company that provides assembled fan motors and polymers for Riordan. Riordan's relationship with the Chinese company can potentially put their production process, inventory, and shipping practices at risks. Although Riordan fan manufacturing has been successful thus far an improved process design and supply chain process can decrease manufacturing...