Purpose: This paper describes the perceived effects of implementing lean production in a Swedish SME contract manufacturer. Especially focused are the effects on, and possible trade-offs between, cost-efficiency and flexibility. Design/methodology/approach: SME suppliers need basic capabilities...

This study explores why a sustainable cycle is induced when manufacturers implement auditing in combination with lean production. Furthermore, it verifies whether this sustainable cycle enhances process integration and risk resilience, thereby allowing the manufacturer to build strong...