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Questioning the relentless shift to offshore manufacturing

Questioning the relentless shift to offshore manufacturing The last 20 years has seen a relentless shift to offshore manufacturing as retailers chase ever-lower labor costs. The results of this strategy can now be evaluated and we propose that some adjustments are in order. We analyze the case of a North American apparel manufacturer (Griffin Manufacturing, Inc.) that has successfully emerged from a period of major change with a strong and strategic position in the apparel supply chain. This case study documents Griffin's survival through evolution in capabilities, technology, and especially attitude. The Griffin case study suggests that keeping a portion of the manufacturing onshore at an agile, quick response factory is cost effective: it increases sales and improves margins. However, the new relationship between the parties is much more complex and requires commitment on both sides. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Supply Chain Management An International Journal Emerald Publishing

Questioning the relentless shift to offshore manufacturing

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References (5)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 MCB UP Ltd. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1359-8546
DOI
10.1108/13598540210426659
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The last 20 years has seen a relentless shift to offshore manufacturing as retailers chase ever-lower labor costs. The results of this strategy can now be evaluated and we propose that some adjustments are in order. We analyze the case of a North American apparel manufacturer (Griffin Manufacturing, Inc.) that has successfully emerged from a period of major change with a strong and strategic position in the apparel supply chain. This case study documents Griffin's survival through evolution in capabilities, technology, and especially attitude. The Griffin case study suggests that keeping a portion of the manufacturing onshore at an agile, quick response factory is cost effective: it increases sales and improves margins. However, the new relationship between the parties is much more complex and requires commitment on both sides.

Journal

Supply Chain Management An International JournalEmerald Publishing

Published: May 1, 2002

Keywords: Offshore arrangements

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