Lean production in the aggregate stone industry: The road to becoming more sustainable and productive : A case study for a Swedish construction company

Sammanfattning

The aggregate stone industry produces stone – a critical material for the construction industry value chain, and is, thus, a valuable resource for building materials, highlighting the society’s need for critical products. The stone is mined and refined in so-called quarries. Yet, the industry is classified as an environmentally hazardous activity as it has traditional ways of consuming fossil fuels. Given that the industry is hazardous, the aggregate stone business needs to become more sustainable. This master's thesis was carried out at a large Swedish construction company and the aggregate stone industry. Where perceptions of challenges around sustainability, and productivity were studied, these three pillars have permeated the work. Due to the hazardous industry, there is a need to reconcile and implement related tensions concerning Lean principles and circular economy in the traditional industries as construction. Because sustainability is the praxis in today's society. Since the process changes have a significant role in Lean, which strives to create flows and minimise waste of resources through various efficiencies. In order to make the industry more sustainable, the circular economy is an approach for maintaining a favourable environment and reducing waste, as well as adopting useful mechanisms and processes as recycling and reuse. This study focuses on the economic and environmental aspects of sustainability. Based on the study results, the aggregate stone industry should adapt its organisation to work towards the Lean principles and circular economy to be more favourable in these two aspects. Data were collected through interviews with experts in the aggregate stone industry and through observations at selected facilities. Production and workflow in the industry should be prioritised to focus on developing the six themes examined across the value-chain: location, machinery, resources, communication and information, the employees and finally, the end-user. Increased awareness and knowledge in these areas and sustainability would mean better conditions for the companies to invest in financial and environmental resources to achieve a competitive advantage – a leading role in the industry.