ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy (1994)

Gary P. Pisano; Sharon L. Rossi

Case | HBS Case Collection | August 1994 (Revised May 2001)

ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy (1994)

by Gary P. Pisano and Sharon L. Rossi

Abstract

ITT Automotive is in the process of developing a new-generation antilock brake system (ABS), designated the MK-20. The case focuses on the level of automation to be used in the production of this new system, and whether all plants should use the same process technology. Due to intensifying cost pressure and rapidly growing demand for lower-cost ABS, the development team and senior management (based in Frankfurt, Germany) strongly favor using a single, highly automated production process in the four plants scheduled to produce the MK-20 (located in Germany, Belgium, and the United States). Managers at the company's two plants in the United States favor using less automation technology in order to allow greater flexibility for improving process technology over time.

Keywords: Technology; Innovation Strategy; Production; Product Development; Globalized Firms and Management; Performance Productivity; Manufacturing Industry; Auto Industry; Belgium; Germany; United States;

Format: Print

23 pages

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Citation:

Pisano, Gary P., and Sharon L. Rossi. "ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy (1994)." Harvard Business School Case 695-002, August 1994. (Revised May 2001.)

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ITT Automotive: Global Manufacturing Strategy (1994)

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