Lean-driven Innovation in Apparel Manufacturing: A Case Study

This study investigates the application of lean manufacturing principles in Bangladesh’s apparel industry, focusing on an apparel factory known for producing bottoms and trousers for major global brands. It aims to empirically analyze how lean principles can enhance productivity, reduce work-in-progress, and increase operational flexibility to better manage high-mix, low-volume orders at reduced costs. The study presents empirical evidence that lean interventions led to significant improvements in productivity and efficiency in the short term. Over time, however, sustaining these gains proved challenging due to ongoing operational and market dynamics.