Abstract
The aim of the research is to evaluate the impact of training, communication and leadership on the formulation and implementation of a sustainably viable manufacturing strategy in medium sized companies. Five medium sized engineering companies that are into manufacturing of steel products were selected for detailed case studies. The focus of the study looked into two main issues, firstly how these companies formulated their manufacturing strategies, secondly how training, communication and leadership impacted on the implementation of their strategies. Overall business performance for these companies was assessed for a period of three years. A relationship was established between manufacturing strategy and business performance. The ability of the employees to deliver a quality product, through a sound quality assurance process was found to correlate with business performance. Employee oriented leadership was found to have supported a smooth implementation of the manufacturing strategy, while inadequate training methods and task oriented leadership were found to stifle the successful implementation of a manufacturing strategy.