An Investigation of Manufacturing Performance Improvement through Lean Production: A Study on Bangladeshi Garment Firms

Abstract

The benefits of lean manufacturing are evident in factories across the world. With a view to achieve performance improvement both the developed and developing countries are practicing lean. In this study nine garment manufacturing companies were selected as sample. A field survey with a semi-structured questionnaire, interviews and site visits were conducted to get necessary lean information from the respondent. These companies were selected purposively to ensure the best possible scenario of lean practices in Bangladesh. The focus of this study is to investigate the improvement of manufacturing performance through lean practice in the Bangladeshi garment industry. The findings indicate that the selected companies have adopted a wide variety of lean tools and techniques and gained many performance improvements. Findings also identified the business challenges that drive the companies to practice lean as well as the areas where changes have been made. It concludes with suggestions for further work.