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Abstract:
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The purpose of this research is to determine which lean principles are appropriate for
implementation in the textile industry. Lean manufacturing involves a variety of principles
and techniques, all of which have the same ultimate goal: to eliminate waste and non-valueadded
activities at every production or service process in order to bring the most satisfaction
to the customer. To stay competitive, many domestic textile manufacturers have sought to
improve their manufacturing processes so that they can more readily compete with overseas
manufacturers. Implementing cost-saving lean manufacturing techniques may be used to
reduce the impact of cheap imports. This study identifies twenty-four different tools and
principles of lean and compares lean manufacturing with other production approaches used in
the textile and apparel industry. This research investigates how companies across a variety
of industries have used lean principles in their businesses to bring the most benefit. Lean
manufacturing use in the textile industry was examined in this research through interviews,
plant tours, and case studies. The results from this research were compiled to create a textile
specific lean implementation roadmap which consists of a list of barriers applying to textile
companies implementing lean, a 5s system and Value Stream Mapping best practice
checklists, and a recommendation model for implementing lean tools and principles in a
textile environment.
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