Why would Jack Welch suggest putting all company plants on barges?

Jack Welch's suggestion to put all company plants on barges aligns with the concept of flexibility in operations and responsiveness to market changes. By utilizing barges, companies could easily relocate their production facilities to different regions as needed, allowing them to react swiftly to fluctuations in currency markets and take advantage of cost differentials based on exchange rates. This adaptability is crucial in a globalized economy, where currency valuations can significantly impact competitive positioning and profitability.

While minimizing operational costs, increasing production efficiency, and leveraging tax benefits are all important aspects of business strategy, the primary focus of Welch's idea connects more closely with agility and the ability to respond to currency dynamics. This approach enables companies to maintain a competitive edge by adjusting to economic changes quickly.