Peter Poon Chong

This presentation introduces the "Steelpan 5S" project, an initiative designed to adapt the traditional lean manufacturing principles of the Toyota Production System - Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain - into a sector-specific model for the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. By re-envisioning these stages as Steelpan Sinking, Standardisation, Sustainability, and Scaling, this framework bridges the historical gap between traditional artisanal expertise and modern engineering technologies. 

At the core of this transformation is the "Sinking" process, the critical initial stage of the steel drum's deformation. Through a three-phase action research methodology executed over a 36-month period, the project applies metallurgy and industrial management techniques to replicate artisanal methods with a calibrated, repeatable technique. The project delivers a strategic mix of tangible technical products, such as standardised manufacturing equipment and manuals, and policy instruments designed for national standardisation bodies. These deliverables are specifically structured to support the enforcement of Geographical Indication (GI) designation, ensuring the global commercial viability and national resilience of the industry. This study proposes a model for national transformation. 

This systemic alignment of innovation and industrial capacity facilitates the transition of a cultural emblem into a globally competitive industrial sector.