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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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1997
(Revised from original version)
Micom Caribe (A)
by
David M. Upton and Joshua D. Margolis
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Abstract
Describes the Puerto Rican manufacturing plant of a transnational company. The award-winning plant has dramatically improved the quality of flexibility of its operations, by taking a radical approach to manufacturing. The methods center on the use of specific techniques along with a building of trust with the workforce. This generates broad participation and creates a strong commitment to continuous improvement throughout the plant. In 1987, the plant was held responsible for quality problems which marred the launch of an important product. Four years later, a new product is to be launched and the plant must develop a plan to ensure that this launch is a success, as well as develop a strategy for the future. Examines, in detail, the development of a manufacturing infrastructure for quality and flexibility and introduces students to the challenges of managing manufacturing in a transnational environment.
Keywords: Business Plan;
Multinational Firms and Management;
Management Analysis, Tools, and Techniques;
Product Launch;
Production;
Performance Improvement;
Quality;
Strategy;
Manufacturing Industry;
Citation:
Upton, David M., and Joshua D. Margolis. "Micom Caribe (A)." Harvard Business School Case 692-002, June 1997. (Revised from original November 1991 version.)