The realities of operating in Mexico: an exploration of manufacturing and logistics issues

The growth of production‐sharing activities in Mexico has highlighted the need to explore the nature and competitive impact of production sharing. Presents and discusses some of the experiences firms can expect to encounter in Mexican operations. Uses an interview methodology to collect data regarding key manufacturing and logistics issues. Chooses to take an integrated approach that looks at both manufacturing and logistics at the same time because important cost and performance trade‐offs exist that influence the long‐term attractiveness of Mexican operations. Discovers tremendous diversity existing in almost all operating areas and that progress is being made towards the establishment of world‐class logistics and manufacturing practices.