ABSTRACT
This chapter is broadly titled to account for the fact that there are multiple functions represented by this position, and 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 a 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, materials and capacity planning and the scheduling of customer deliveries.
