The main objective of this study was to create an agile manufacturing (AM) model and to validate the model using structural equation modelling (SEM). AM concentrates on turbulent market changes and the responsive actions of the manufacturing firm, in terms of process, tooling, material and trained experts. The AM model consists of five major drivers of agility, namely the workforce, manufacturing management, manufacturing strategy, manufacturing technology and organisational structure. After development of the AM model, a questionnaire was prepared and data collected from 30 automotive organisations located in Tamil Nadu, India. After data collection, the SEM approach was used to conduct a statistical validation. The results indicate the validity and reliability of AM constructs. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.