The focus of this analysis is on the critical issues of quality performance and management in manufacturing facilities operating under the co-operative US/Mexico export processing system. Results of the study reveal that a multi-faceted, proactive approach is extensively used in achieving world-class quality levels, and that quality management methods and techniques can be successfully transferred and implemented between First and Third World socioeconomic environments. Adjustments to the quality management methods are necessary to account for differences in ownership and in mode of operations.