Abstract— This paper provides the use of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for improving the reliability of sub systems in order to ensure the productivity which in turn improves the bottom line of a manufacturing industry. Thus the various possible causes of failure and their effects along with the prevention are discussed in this work. Severity values, Occurrence number, Detection and Risk Priority Number (RPN) are some parameters, which need to be determined. These are the steps taken during the design phase of the equipment life cycle to ensure that reliability requirements have been properly allocated and that a process for continuous improvement exists. The FMEA technique is applied on an automatic plastic welding machine used for the production of blood bags in a life care manufacturing company in south India. The preventions suggested in this paper can considerably decrease the loss of production hours in the industry due to the breakdown of the machine.