Production Scheduling Improvement in a Paint Manufacturing Company in Lagos State

This project examines production scheduling practices at a paint manufacturing company in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, with the aim of identifying inefficiencies and proposing scheduling improvements that reduce delivery lead times and machine idle time. The paint manufacturing industry in Lagos operates under intense competitive pressure, requiring firms to balance customised product formulations with high-volume standardised runs on shared mixing and filling equipment. Using a descriptive case study methodology, this study documents the existing scheduling logic, records actual versus planned production timelines across twelve production weeks, and calculates key performance indicators including schedule adherence rate, average job completion time, and equipment utilisation. Data were gathered through production record review and structured interviews with the planning and operations teams. Findings show that schedule disruptions are predominantly caused by late raw material arrivals and unplanned equipment maintenance, contributing to an average of eighteen percent schedule deviation per week. The study evaluates the applicability of the Johnson's Rule algorithm for sequencing two-machine job shop operations and demonstrates through simulation a potential fifteen percent reduction in makespan. Recommendations include establishing a buffer inventory policy for critical raw materials, introducing a preventive maintenance calendar, and training planning staff in basic scheduling algorithms. Keywords: production scheduling, makespan, Johnson's Rule, paint manufacturing, Lagos State