ABSTRACT
This chapter is broadly titled to account for the fact that there are multiple functions represented by this position and that manufacturing plants may have all or just a part of the total scope implied here. As a result, I will address the key functions that I’ve most often seen in the plant over which the plant manager has a great degree of control. One important function, purchasing, often is not part of the plant organization but can obviously have profound impact on plant performance. In this case, close working relationships and right-headed division or corporate staff are required to help optimize business performance and customer service. But let’s start with one of the classic plant responsibilities: production control, that is, capacity planning and the scheduling of customer deliveries.
