okihulgustamise

Okihulgustamise is an Estonian term referring to the mass manufacturing or large-scale production of goods. The word is a compound of *oki*, meaning mass, and *hulg*, meaning bulk or lot, together describing processes where items are produced rapidly and in high volumes. It is often used in discussions of industrial policy, economic efficiency, and supply chain management.

The concept gained prominence during the Soviet era when central plans mandated high-output production of basic consumer goods and heavy industry. In the post‑Soviet period, Estonia adopted market‑oriented manufacturing and sought to integrate its production with European supply chains. Today, okihulgustamise is most closely associated with sectors such as automotive assembly, electronics manufacturing, and textiles, where economies of scale can dramatically lower average costs and increase accessibility.

Key features of okihulgustamise include standardised parts, automated assembly lines, and tight coordination of logistics. While it enables rapid distribution and lower prices, critics have pointed to potential drawbacks: reduced product variety, diminished craftsmanship, and environmental concerns related to resource consumption and waste generation. Consequently, government policies often balance support for mass production with incentives for sustainable practices and quality assurance.