The strategic advantages of new manufacturing technologies for small firms

Abstract From the descriptions of firms implementing high technology manufacturing programs it would appear that only large companies can benefit from these new manufacturing technologies. In this article the point is argued that small firms are just as well, or better, equipped to implement and benefit from these technological advances, particularly in strategic areas. After describing these new technologies and their benefits and risks, two case studies are presented of small firms that made strategic use of these benefits. The factors that allow this are discussed, and the way that manufacturing technology is altering the competitive equation between large and small firms is then described.