Modular manufacturing experience in the South African clothing industry: Lessons learned

Abstract

The global economy which is enhanced through changing technologies is pressurizing organisations to improve productivity of their business processes. Competition is forcing organisations to focus their energy on core competencies. Like many industries, the clothing industry is witnessing changes in technology, diversification of labour, managerial implications while competing on the global market. The South African clothing and textile industry has the potential to create jobs, but this potential has been steadily diminishing. The performance of the clothing industry, whether in terms of efficiency, working conditions or degree of social protection, is unstable. The industry's ability to generate sustainable and productive employment varies according to geographical locations. The process improvement methodology that could improve the status quo in the clothing industry is modular manufacturing, which is the focus of this paper. Qualitative results of the implementation of modular manufacturing and its relative experiences at a South African clothing manufacturer are presented through a case history.