Flexible Production in the Chemical Industry – A Question of Competence

The stiffening international competition facing the Swedish chemical industry has led to a transition from commodity chemicals to speciality chemicals. Emphasis on speciality chemicals places demands on the flexibility of production systems. Analyses the issues regarding flexible production in the chemical industry in terms of the means of achieving flexibility and factors affecting flexibility, based on a study designed as a case study of two production units in a Swedish chemical company. Demonstrates the multi‐dimensional nature of the problems surrounding flexibility, and that technical and social factors interact to achieve a state of flexibility. Controlled by skilled employees, new technology may be a powerful means of achieving flexibility. Shows that technological factors may be associated with heavy restrictions that can be only partly offset by the social system.