Mercedes-Benz Russia and its partner needed a service partner in order to ensure the operation of these lines in a maintenance partnership arrangement.

The challenges included coordinating the entire maintenance management operation in particular inspections, corrective/predictive maintenance activities and the optimizing of the spare parts management. Siemens developed a customized maintenance solution that includes all electronic and mechanical maintenance activities (Integral Plant Maintenance).

The Integral Plant Maintenance (IPM) concept from Siemens was tailored to production specific needs. The primary goal was to meet the customer's strict availability requirements. This was accomplished with an optimized maintenance management system. Through predictive maintenance, line downtime is selectively avoided and planned downtime is used to perform the necessary maintenance work. 
The service solution from Siemens is also responsible for other tasks, including:

• Inspections
• Preventive maintenance
• Corrective maintenance
• Optimizing the supply and stocking of spare parts

As they were working out the concept, the local maintenance experts were able to draw on the extensive knowledge base of Siemens' global expert network. They received optimal support in implementing the Siemens Integral Plant Maintenance standard through coaching sessions and process mapping workshops. Siemens maintenance experts realise planned and unplanned maintenance activities on two shift operation geared with a performance based contract. Performance indicators include plant availability and per-unit maintenance costs.

Mercedes-Benz and his partner GAZ chose Siemens to be its maintenance partner at a new engine plant in Yaroslavl/Russia. The new plant offers a capacity to manufacture diesel engines for the Russian market for locally produced Sprinter Classic. In addition to engines for the local market, the Yaroslavl plant will also produce spare parts.