Title: On the production location decision: a case study on process and criteria

Authors: Jessica Bruch; Magnus Wiktorsson; Monica Bellgran

Addresses: Department of Product Realisation, School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Mälardalen University, Box 325, 631 05 Eskilstuna, Sweden ' Department of Product Realisation, School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Mälardalen University, Box 325, 631 05 Eskilstuna, Sweden ' Department of Product Realisation, School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Mälardalen University, Box 325, 631 05 Eskilstuna, Sweden

Abstract: The paper explores the process and criteria used in production location decisions, based on a literature overview and a case study in a Swedish manufacturing company with a global production network. The data collection comprised interviews with top management and project management as well as a document analysis. The findings indicate that the production location decision process is facilitated by following a stepwise process with an initial strategic analysis with a broad scope including also the selection of the future production system concept. [Received 29 April 2013; Revised 30 August 2013; Accepted 13 October 2013]

Keywords: decision process; production networks; location factors; production systems; manufacturing industry; production relocation; operational factors; decision making; production location decisions; Sweden; facility location.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2014.059600

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2014 Vol.9 No.1, pp.74 - 91

Published online: 29 Jul 2014 *

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