Impact of Global Issues in Textile Manufacturing with a Specific Focus on Short Staple Yarn Manufacturing

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate whether a balance of technology and management could be used in order to sustain a viable U.S. yarn production industry. It is important to note that the focus of this study is on short-staple yarn products, so secondary data analysis did not include all types of yarn. The methodology used in this study consisted of two phases. Phase I was an analysis of secondary sources. This phase was performed by collecting data from many sources, including government and public organizations. Phase II used the analysis and interpretation of the information gathered from Phase I to develop the questionnaire and survey used in the interviews and online surveys. Phase II was primary research and this was subdivided into Phase II-A and Phase II-B. The interview questionnaire was used, not only to obtain additional information to supplement Phase I, but also to confirm some of the preliminary conclusion which had been attained from Phase I data. The sample for Phase II-A consisted of 12 respondents from nine U.S. textile companies from the fiber and yarn mills and auxiliary sectors. Phase II-B utilized an online survey developed by the researcher. The survey was used to obtain the information from 14 respondents belonging to 14 companies in the textile industry. These respondents were mostly located in the CAFTA region. These results represent the customer’s opinion side of main drivers that influence their decision to purchase yarn from either U.S. or other countries. Results reveal the impact of globalization on the U.S. yarn manufacturing industry, the position of U.S. yarn industry in the global scenario, the key drivers that influence yarn purchasing decisions, and the areas to which the U.S. yarn manufacturers should focus their resources in order to stay competitive or indeed survive.