Computer manufacturer needs time to produce program (6)
I believe the answer is:
applet
'program' is the definition.
'computer manufacturer needs time' is the wordplay.
'computer manufacturer' becomes 'apple'.
'needs' says to put letters next to each other.
'time' becomes 't'.
'apple'+'t'='APPLET'
'to produce' is the link.
(Other definitions for applet that I've seen before include "modest programme" , "Java program" , "Computer application, sounds like small fruit" , "limited application of computing" .)