Change project Strombrücke’16 at BASF Ludwigshafen

BASF produces the building blocks of the chemical industry and the starting materials for numerous processing industries. With 115,000 employees and HQ in Ludwigshafen, Germany, it generates a turnover € 74 billion worldwide.

At the BASF Ludwigshafen site PDM was one of the implementation partners for the Strombrucke’16 Project (2014-2016). This project was part of the Opal 21 Project, a long-term (since 2010) and extensive program to optimize the production facilities at the Ludwigshafen and Antwerp sites. As part of this project a uniform system for the organization of production, logistics, and technology was introduced at the Ludwigshafen site. Strombrücke'16 was a related change project that focused on changing the organizational structure and the design of processes and interfaces.

A-20160331-BASF-Strombrucke16-Case-crop.jpg

Strombrücke’16 Project

Objective of the project

The objectives of the Strombrücke’16 Project were:

  • Development of new processes and its implementation at work floor level
  • Ensuring the expected efficiency improvements
  • Implementation and operational embedding of Lean management.

Consulting services

The most important project activities PDM performed were:

  • Detailed development of site-specific processes and the adaptation of processes and interfaces to BASF’s conditions
  • Implementation of new internal and external processes
  • Introduction of Lean management, including the application of Lean methods.

Results

The project actually delivered the expected results, including:

  • Improved communication and cooperation, which led to clear tasks, responsibilities, and processes
  • Living the developed processes, interfaces, and roles in daily practice
  • Integration in the site network, in particular harmonization with the systems and standardization of processes
  • Identification, detailing, and coordination of optimization measures, including implementation plans.

Conclusion

The goals set were achieved despite the usual challenges of a change project. In close cooperation between BASF staff and PDM consultants, the transition from concept to the concrete and pragmatic development of ‘Best Workflows’, including its implementation, was achieved.
Through individual training and coaching PDM contributed significantly to the further development of the team members and their skills regarding Lean management.

The project was successfully completed within the strict budget and timeframe.

Jürgen Fuchs
Power Supply, BASF SE

PDM demonstrated extensive expertise and experience in change management as well as know-how in the planning, implementation, and follow-up of workshops.