A survey of manufacturing practice and organizational change within the automotive rubber industry

Summary form only given. This paper presents a survey which has shown that UK companies in the automotive rubber components sector recognize the importance of being competitive through advanced management approaches. In particular they are keen to become world class with the profits, quality, cost base and market share of companies pertaining to that standard. However SME companies in the UK rubber industry are yet to understand that these goals require a continual analysis of competitors and customer requirements and the implementation of best practice techniques (JIT, TQM, TPM) within their organizations. Importantly these techniques require the adoption of supporting systems including information technology, cost control and adequate training facilities. SME companies within the UK must realize that the key to survival is a focused approach to change encompassing all areas of the business. Only through a balanced approach to management and manufacturing process improvement can the SME supply base in the UK compete with the best in the world and become world class