The role of designer-buyer-supplier in the maquiladora industry

This paper explores the role of concurrent engineering (CE), early purchasi ng involvement (EPI), and early supplier involvement (ESI) in the maquilado ra industry. The maquiladora industry is a manufacturing model that utilize s the Mexican workforce and non-Mexican investment and technology on the bo rder region between the US and Mexico. This paper conducts an empirical inv estigation of CE, EPI, and ESI practices by distributing a survey instrumen t among maquiladora plants in the El-Paso, Texas-Juarez, Mexico region. The paper also explores the structural development of the maquiladoras in term s of three evolutionary stages of development. A theoretical framework is e stablished to develop research constructs and hypotheses. The respondents i ncluded personnel from design, manufacturing, and purchasing departments. F actor analysis, reliability and validity analyses for supplier and purchasi ng data are conducted and appropriate analyses and perspectives are provide d. There seems to be a lack of understanding as to what the role and functi on of purchasing is in the maquiladora. On the other hand, there is a gener al consensus that early supplier involvement and effective supplier relatio nships exist in the maquiladoras. Finally, a set of conclusions and assessm ents are provided that places Various results in perspective.