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Huainan ups productivity with peak performance

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 11, 2006

A working partnership is what most companies aim for with their key suppliers, but few suppliers actually deliver tangible added value

At Shell, creating real commercial value by driving opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency and enhance production is central to the company's approach.

And it is an approach that works, as the relationship Shell has developed with Huainan Mining Group Cement Company (HMGCC) demonstrates.

Spurred by operational changes, HMGCC is taking a holistic approach to maintenance and lubrication practices to increase performance and productivity.

When HMGCC decided to significantly increase its production with the installation of a new suspension pre-heat dry process machine, the need to reduce annual maintenance costs and component failures became vital to the operation.

Revisiting lubrication was a key part of this requirement and HMGCC approached a number of local and international lubricant suppliers to carry out extensive product performance tests before introducing Shell products at its plant in the Anhui Province of China.

Zhao Long, Project Manager of Huainan Mining Group Cement Company comments: "As part of the contract tender process, we reviewed Shell Lubricants alongside a number of alternative suppliers, both locally and from outside China".

"We compared performance, technical support and a number of other factors before deciding to work with Shell Lubricants".

"Their products are backed up by an excellent support network and so Shell Lubricants quickly became our number one choice".

The HMGCC procurement team has been able to see first hand that high quality products can help to deliver more stable throughput for the cement plant as well as reduced maintenance, longer intervals between component failures and fewer equipment stoppages.

Equally, the product trials demonstrated that Shell can help to further reduce operating costs thanks to the longer operational hours Shell lubricants products offer compared to competitors' products.

James Xu, Regional Sales Manager for Shell Lubricants adds: "Our relationship with HMGCC has evolved from being a supplier to a partner in their operations and it is our value added approach and technical support services that have helped establish this close working arrangement".

"For example, we can provide valuable information on the status and performance of equipment and lubricants by analysing oil samples and helping to predict downtime and operational failure before it happens".

"HMGCC is reassured by these resources and expertise and is confident that together we can minimise downtime, rationalise maintenance costs and increase productivity".

Products now being used at the plant include Shell Omala premium quality extreme pressure industrial gear oil, which offers excellent load carrying capabilities for extended service life and Shell Alvania premium quality multi purpose grease, which assures long service life and corrosion protection.