Implementation of Preventive Maintenance and Lean Tools to Improve the Operational Efficiency of an SME in the Metalworking Sector

This article addresses the issue of low efficiency and high overhead costs in a small metalw working company (MYPE) in Peru specializing in the manufacturing of metal formworks. Currently, efficiency ranges between 65% and 70%, leading to elevated costs due to additional labor, which accounts for approximately 3% of monthly revenue losses. To enhance performance, the implementation of four key engineering tools is proposed: Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), focused on a preventive approach; the 5S methodology, to organize the work environment and reduce unnecessary operator movements; Systematic Layout Planning (SLP), to increase operational efficiency by redesigning production areas; and Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), to reduce setup times. The combination of these methodologies aims to boost operational efficiency to 85%, reduce costs, and improve the company’s ability to meet demand more competitively, with a projected payback period of one year. This comprehensive improvement approach is presented as a fundamental strategy to enhance the company’s competitiveness and sustainability within the Peruvian metalworking context.