Strategies to achieve world class manufacture : a case study in Mexico

In view of the growing tendencies of globalization of industries and markets, continuous modernization of all functions and operations of a company is imperative in order to best develop its technical and human potential. Thus, the experiences of a company deeply involved in a process of not only automating production, but modernizing overall, could serve as model to other industries trying to solve both technical and administrative problems. This report summarizes the most significant outputs of a continuing effort, begun in late 1990, at a trailer-truck company in Mexico --the KENWORTH, MEXICO firm in Mexicali, Baja California. Teams of engineers from different departments of the company, in close cooperation with industrial engineering professors at the private university Centro de Ensenanza Tecnica y Superior (CETYS) Mexicali and Arizona State University (ASU) developed a program to advance towards World Class Manufacturing. The report details more than 20 short- and long-term projects which identify objectives, methods, benefits and specific solutions for each department, with possible applications to companies in other countries trying to develop and modernize their manufacturing industries. Although several of the projects describe the design of alternative manufacturing systems applying computer simulation, system integration for CAD/CAM/CNC, group technology, and manufacturing cells, many of the suggestions address methods of work simplification and employee training and development. These strategies are sufficiently general to be relevant and significant to other companies in developing countries without the need for massive investments. (Author abstract)