The dynamic relocation and phase-out of a hybrid, two-echelon plant/warehousing facility: A multiple objective approach

A real-world application involving the relocation and phase-out of a combined manufacturing plant and warehousing facility is presented in this paper. The relocation and phase-out decision was called for to adapt to dynamic changes in business environments surrounding the firm's supply chain operations. Such changes include changes in supplier and customer bases, distribution networks, corporate re-engineering, business climate, and government legislation. To aid management in formulating more effective relocation strategy, we assess the viability of the proposed site from multi-echelon supply chain perspectives and determine the optimal timing of relocation and phase-out in the multiple planning horizon using a dynamic, multiple objective, mixed-integer programming model.