The role of just-in-time methods in the spatial reorganization of the United States automobile industry

Manufacturing firms have recently implemented just-in-time (JIT) methods into their production systems as a way of increasing efficiency in an increasingly competitive global economy. These methods are being embraced because JIT systems allow manufacturers to take advantage of the benefits associated with subcontracting relationships without the concomitant difficulties in scheduling and coordination that have historically plagued multi-firm production systems. The automobile industry has been a leader in the implementation of JIT methods in North America and it is because of their innovativeness and their position in the economy that I use this sector for my analysis.;The spatial implications resulting from the implementation of JIT methods are substantial. Because of the time constraints associated with a traditional JIT system, a supplier's production facilities must be located in fairly close proximity to the facilities of the buyer. However, in the United States, there are two types of just-in-time systems in use. There exists the traditional Japanese-style system in which suppliers synchronize the delivery and production of materials to the buyer and this system is subject to spatial constraints in the location of production. There also exists an American variation of the traditional system in which only the delivery of materials is coordinated with the needs of the buyer and the timing of the production of goods is not directly affected by changes in buyer scheduling. Instead of adjusting to the spatial requirements of traditional methods, some U.S. suppliers located far from their buyers have opted to modify the JIT system to meet the demands of their relative location. The acceptance of non-traditional JIT methods in the automobile industry illustrates the dynamic relationship found between the implementation of new technologies and the geography of production. Geographers must acknowledge the fact that not only can technology modify the use of space, but that embedded spatial relationships can alter the composition of technology.