Competitive analysis of manufacturing plants: An application to the US processed food industry

We present a model-based approach for competitive analysis of manufacturing plants. As part of this approach, we propose the application of Operational Competitiveness Ratings Analysis to measure the competitiveness of plants in terms of their relative inefficiency. We then present a conceptual framework to classify and identify the drivers of plant competitiveness in terms of decisions related to plant structure and infrastructure. Finally, we demonstrate the application of this model-based approach to conduct competitive analysis of plants in the US processed food industry.