Exploring the secondary co-operative model in the supply of fabric to primary sewing co-operatives

This paper presents the role of a secondary co-operative in the supply of an input key to delivering a product by a co-operative movement focused on manufacturing. This study bases its focus on sewing co-operatives and uses the supply of fabric as an example that relates to a proposed secondary co-operative that would be established within a township community of South Africa to supply fabric to clothing manufacturing cooperatives. A literature grid specifying references and concepts used to arrive at the suggested model is also presented on the paper. Secondary co-operatives in supply chain management are key to inter-cooperation of manufacturing co-operatives and to sourcing quality inputs at reasonable rates. In conclusion it is specified that empirical studies could be done to improve and develop further the suggested model of supply chain management through a secondary co-operative structure. Policy makers in the areas of reindustrialization through co-operatives especially in emerging countries may consider secondary supply cooperatives to be drivers of inter co-operative cooperation and as providers of strategic operational support to the manufacturing co-operative movement particularly in clothing manufacturing which is a sector confronted with cheap clothing imports from low cost producing countries.