Locational adjustment and the characteristics of manufacturing plants ( UK).

Analyses the locational adjustments experienced between 1967 and 1972, by 64 multi-plant enterprises in the textile and clothing industries of the UK. Over 70% of the 315 plants operated in 1967 by the companies were transfered, closed or sold; were altered in size; or had changed their products. Changes in size and closures were the most common. The overall hypothesis, that the characteristics of plants affect the frequency with which they experience various types of locational adjustment, was supported. Specific hypotheses related 10 plant characteristics to 8 types of locational adjustment. Approximately 80% of the significant relationships were in the direction specified in the hypotheses. The attributes of the plants which had most influence on the types of adjustment experienced were their size, capacity for extension, date of opening, and status within the organization. The characteristics of plants, though not significant influences in all the cases suggested in the literature, are, nevertheless, a factor which should be examined to account for the process of locational adjustment. -Author