Manufacturing for synchronous supply: a case study of Ikeda Hoover Ltd

Presents a case study examining the characteristics of synchronous manufacturing within an automotive context. In particular, the case examines the essential differences between traditional just‐in‐time manufacture and Synchronous manufacture and also explores the nature of buyer‐supplier relationships between Nissan Manufacturing (UK) Ltd and its seating manufacturer – Ikeda Hoover Ltd. The findings of this case, aligned to the developments of the “modular supply model”, suggest that the nature of buyer‐supplier relationships will change as the value‐creation ratio moves from vehicle manufacturers to global first‐tier modular suppliers. Moreover, the growth of the “modular supply model” is likely to require a reappraisal of supply chain relationships as both the nature of buyer‐supplier relationships change and a new tier‐one position is established that moves the modular suppliers closer to the buyer.