Evaluation of Equipment Maintenance Approaches in Roofing Sheet Manufacturing Companies in Kumasi, Ghana
Norbert Johnson Amoanab *
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana.
Jonathan Yao Afrifa
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana.
Andrews Baba Agebure
Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture, Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana.
Kwame Dubik
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana.
Francis Dery
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana.
Cletus Akasika
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Effective equipment maintenance is important for sustaining production reliability and managing operational costs in manufacturing firms. This study evaluated the use of in-house and contract maintenance approaches among roofing sheet manufacturing companies in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana, and examined factors influencing the choice of maintenance approach.
Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted. The study covered all 13 registered roofing sheet manufacturing companies in the metropolis. Questionnaires were distributed to 52 key staff members involved in maintenance operations, of which 40 were returned, giving a 77% response rate. Survey and interview data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Results: All respondents reported the use of both in-house and contract maintenance. In-house maintenance was performed regularly by 75% of respondents, whereas contract maintenance was used occasionally by all respondents. Contract maintenance was associated mainly with the need for specialised expertise, inadequate staffing, limited equipment or tools, resource allocation considerations, and cost savings. The regression analysis indicated that the assessed factors explained 44.1% of the variance in the perceived importance of outsourcing, with cost saving identified in the manuscript as the significant predictor.
Conclusion: Roofing sheet manufacturers in Kumasi use a hybrid maintenance approach, combining internal capability with external support according to equipment and operational requirements. The findings provide a basis for maintenance-policy decisions within the study context.
Keywords: In-house maintenance, contract maintenance, production equipment, manufacturing equipment