Supply Management System in Ready-Mixed Concrete Companies: Evidence from Turkey

The ready-mixed concrete industry has gained significance due to the growing global need for mass housing, high-rise buildings, and infrastructure projects. Ready-mixed concrete must be used within two hours of production, necessitating local manufacturing. Turkey stands out as the third-largest producer of ready-mixed concrete globally, after China and the U.S. A better understanding of supply management systems in ready-mixed concrete companies is critical for enhancing operational efficiency, meeting the dynamic demands of clients, and achieving long-term stability and growth in such a competitive market. The main aim of this study is to evaluate ready-mixed concrete companies' supply management systems, focusing on three key aspects: (1) sales, (2) supply, and (3) waste management. A questionnaire was designed and randomly distributed to professionals employed by 150 ready-mixed concrete companies, achieving a 47% response rate with 70 returns. The findings indicate that the established practices among producers include frequent adjustments in unit pricing, offers of flexibility in payments, and the frequent use of discounts. Notably, half of the companies surveyed demonstrated high manufacturing capacity and high-quality production, with 75% supporting R&D operations. A significant portion (65%) employed over 15 technical professionals, and 64% utilized advanced vehicle tracking systems. Challenges in the availability of raw materials were common, and most companies employed waste management systems. These insights help to understand ready-mixed concrete production and distribution better and pave the way for optimizing supply chain dynamics in the ready-mixed concrete industry, offering pathways to improved efficiency and profitability.