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

This paper explores the role of concurrent engineering (CE), early purchasing involvement (EPI), and early supplier involvement (ESI) in the maquiladora industry. The maquiladora industry is a manufacturing model that utilizes the Mexican workforce and non-Mexican investment and technology on the border region between the US and Mexico. This paper conducts an empirical investigation of CE, EPI, and ESI practices by distributing a survey instrument among maquiladora plants in the El-Paso, Texas-Juarez, Mexico region. The paper also explores the structural development of the maquiladoras in terms of three evolutionary stages of development. A theoretical framework is established to develop research constructs and hypotheses. The respondents included personnel from design, manufacturing, and purchasing departments. Factor analysis, reliability and validity analyses for supplier and purchasing data are conducted and appropriate analyses and perspectives are provided. There seems to be a lack of understanding as to what the role and function of purchasing is in the maquiladora. On the other hand, there is a general consensus that early supplier involvement and effective supplier relationships exist in the maquiladoras. Finally, a set of conclusions and assessments are provided that places Various results in perspective.