ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an evaluation of whether new technologies and new worker/managerial skill adjustments can be implemented promptly and cost effectively within our market economy and within the one-to-two year timeframe suggested in the conversion approach. The concept of establishing an office of economic conversion to strengthen the defense adjustment process is innovative, complex and challenging. The manufacture of both the products involves much of the same equipment and processes, meaning a minimal disruption and minimal investment in the conversion/reuse process. All plant conversions require a great deal of investment and the ultimate goals and judgement parameters must be set early to allow for as beneficial a decision as possible. There are some pieces of general purpose equipment that will be usable in the conversion or reuse because they are general purpose in nature. The industrial plant conversion or reuse process is a complex issue.
