This paper presents empirical findings on manufacturing characteristics at subcontractor small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises (SMME). The SMME:s play a significant role in today’s economy, but they do not act to the same extent on the global market as the international larger companies. To remain competitive on the global market SMME:s should improve manufacturing.
The study has been accomplished in different industries and different sizes to identify their characteristics. The results indicate that SMME:s are focused on process technologies and not on the entire manufacturing system. The companies also have difficulties in locating and hiring skilled people.