Integrating Sustainability into Mechanical Manufacturing Plant Site Selection: A Hybrid Fuzzy TOPSIS and VIKOR Approach

Abstract

The selection of an optimal site for manufacturing plants is a complex decision-making problem that involves evaluating multiple criteria to ensure sustainability and efficiency. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a hybrid approach that combines Fuzzy TOPSIS and VIKOR methods to integrate sustainability criteria into the site selection process. The study evaluates five potential sites in Vietnam—Bình Dương, Long An, Đồng Nai, Vũng Tàu, and Bình Phước—based on three critical sustainability criteria: Environmental Impact, Economic Feasibility, and Social Considerations. Using triangular fuzzy numbers to handle uncertainty in qualitative assessments, the Fuzzy TOPSIS method provides a preliminary ranking of the sites. Subsequently, the VIKOR method refines these rankings by considering trade-offs between overall utility and individual regret. The results indicate that Đồng Nai is the most suitable site, followed by Bình Dương, Vũng Tàu, Long An, and Bình Phước. This hybrid approach demonstrates the effectiveness of combining Fuzzy TOPSIS and VIKOR methods in providing a comprehensive and balanced decision-making framework for site selection. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders and decision-makers in the manufacturing sector, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability into the site selection process.