Questioning the relentless shift to offshore manufacturing
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.
Keywords
Citation
Warburton, R.D.H. and Stratton, R. (2002), "Questioning the relentless shift to offshore manufacturing", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 101-108. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540210426659
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited