Which of the following is NOT a primary goal of lean manufacturing?

Lean manufacturing is a systematic approach aimed at enhancing efficiency by minimizing waste while maximizing value. The primary goals of lean manufacturing focus on creating more value for customers with fewer resources.

High product quality, quick delivery, and low manufacturing costs are all fundamental objectives of lean practices. High product quality is essential because it ensures customer satisfaction and reduces costs associated with defects and rework. Quick delivery aligns with the lean principle of responsiveness to customer needs, ensuring that products are delivered in a timely manner to keep up with demand. Low manufacturing costs are significant as they result from the elimination of waste and streamlined processes, making products more competitively priced.

In contrast, high inventory levels contradict the principles of lean manufacturing. Lean strategies emphasize just-in-time inventory, which aims to reduce excess stock and storage costs, leading to a more efficient and responsive production system. Therefore, high inventory levels do not align with the core objectives of lean manufacturing, making it the correct answer in this context.