23. Jan 2025
It might seem counterintuitive, but temporarily halting production can actually boost efficiency and output in the long term.
In 2024, TotalEnergies Corbion (TEC – Gorinchem, the Netherlands) executed a fully structured and meticulously planned plant turnaround – a strategic decision designed to enhance performance and reliability in its PLA production processes.
A plant turnaround is more than just a pause; it is an opportunity to perform comprehensive maintenance, inspections, and upgrades. By investing time in optimizing every aspect of the facility, the company ensures that operations can run safely and efficiently at full capacity once resumed. This proactive approach directly contributes to higher yields and consistent quality.
Strategic maintenance for long-term gains
During the second half of 2024, TEC conducted a carefully coordinated shutdown of our plant, lasting several days. This scheduled event allowed its dedicated team, along with skilled contractors, to thoroughly assess maintenance needs, replace worn components, and implement state-of-the-art enhancements. These efforts not only safeguard the integrity of the equipment but also reduce the likelihood of unscheduled downtime, which can disrupt supply chains.
Every goal set for this turnaround was achieved, enabling TEC to provide a steady and reliable supply of high-quality Luminy® PLA materials. By ensuring optimal equipment performance and production processes, the company enhanced its ability to meet growing market demands without compromising on quality or sustainability.
Reliability: The Cornerstone of yield optimization
Reliability isn’t just a feature of operations; it’s the driving force behind them. A well-maintained facility ensures uninterrupted production and dependable supply chains, ultimately benefiting TEC’s customers. The 2024 turnaround exemplified their proactive approach to operational excellence, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering materials their customers can count on.
By strategically pausing to address maintenance needs, TotalEnergies Corbion not only increases the lifespan of its equipment but also secure consistent output. This approach minimizes inefficiencies, reduces waste, and ensures that customers receive products of the highest standard.
Excellence in execution to support our customer goals
TEC’s operations are supported by a skilled and experienced team that prioritizes safety, quality, and efficiency. By performing scheduled turnarounds, the company ensures that the processes remain streamlined, materials meet customers expectations, and the production aligns with the market’s needs.
TotalEnergies Corbion prides themselves on being more than just a supplier. They want to be their customer partners, committed to supporting their growth with sustainably produced, high-performing materials. By coupling reliability with production capacity, the company is well-positioned to meet their needs both now and in the future.
A Legacy of trust and yield improvement
Stopping production to perform a scheduled turnaround isn’t just about maintenance; it’s about optimizing yield and maintaining trust. Customers know they can depend on TEC for consistent quality, timely delivery, and unwavering support.
The 2024 turnaround demonstrated TotalEnergies Corbion’s ability to prioritize short-term disruptions for long-term gains, securing the reliability and performance of its processes. “As they continue to refine and enhance our operations, we remain committed to providing reliable Luminy® PLA production that drives quality, sustainability, and success. By ensuring our plant’s readiness for peak performance, we reaffirm our role as trusted partner in achieving long-term sustainable and circular growth”, as stated in a press release. MT
www.totalenergies.com