By Jim Fitch
Laboratory and Production Magazine
Poor maintenance performance is rarely the result of individual failure. Instead, it reflects deeper organizational and cultural issues that influence how maintenance is planned, executed, and valued. In How to Fix a Poor Maintenance Culture, Jim Fitch examines the systemic causes behind ineffective maintenance practices and explains why cultural transformation is essential for achieving reliable, sustainable results.
Drawing on decades of experience in lubrication engineering and reliability leadership, Fitch outlines practical strategies for improving maintenance culture through leadership engagement, workforce education, standardized practices, and accountability. The article highlights how a strong maintenance culture directly impacts equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and long-term asset performance.