Five levels of outsourcing operations and maintenance in the pulp and paper industry

Market requirements and competitive pressures are driving company owners to look inward at their value chain and core business. Maintenance organizations are now regarded as a business with specific responsibilities and performance requirements. Strategic maintenance business decisions are primarily based on the competitive pressure, workforce flexibility and the maturity of management to accept a paradigm shift towards good business management. This paper describes the five levels of outsourced maintenance provided, the performance requirements and the ability to introduce change by the supplier. Examples used are from the Australian Paper Industry who are proactively seeking business excellence due to their competitive pressures from overseas competitors.