Methodological proposal for the transfer of industrial manufacturing processes in a transnational firm: A China-Mexico particular case

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of the transfer of international production processes in the manufacturing industry and proposes a methodology to identify the essential activities required for it. The bibliographical research reveals the problems associated with the lack of an objective methodology in the management of projects for the transfer of processes between countries. In order to solve this problem and in the absence of a specific methodology, a case study was developed, based on the transfer of the Zoned Amplified production line of the Carrier company, from China to Mexico. In order to obtain a solid and complete methodology, different authors and proposed approaches for manufacturing transfers were compared, collecting the relevant information. As a result, a methodology composed of seven steps is proposed, either: factors for implementation, initiation of transfer documentation, design of the transfer plan, design for manufacturing, technology transfer and installation requirements, validation process and, finally, launch. This contributes to the industry in general, a practical and effective guide to address international process transfer projects, associated with specific standards in some cases, thereby overcoming the associated challenges and guaranteeing success in their execution.