Narrowing Cost Gaps

A Mid-Atlantic consulting organization was studying cost-reduction opportunities in the production of specialty dairy products. The study was for a private-label producer which wanted to rank itself against the industry's leading players. BR&C was asked to gather and evaluate information on processes and costs at three industry-leading facilities. We also identified, located and interviewed industry experts as well as leading vendors of equipment, materials and technology. Our research uncovered opportunities to improve performance and narrow cost gaps in areas such as labor and maintenance practices, logistics and package design. The estimated average savings in some areas totaled over $11 million.

Assessing Foreign Threats

An American office-products manufacturer was worried about the North American intentions of an overseas competitor.  The foreign company announced a drive for international expansion and our client saw signs of a U.S. sales push.  BR&C was asked to evaluate the seriousness of these moves.  We first profiled the overseas player, including organization, plant capabilities, machine and product specifications, exports and staffing of U.S. sales channels.  Customer interviews revealed dissatisfaction with late deliveries.  Further research in the U.S. and Europe disclosed declining U.S. sales of some paper products and spotty to moderate sales of others.  Although the foreign concern had ambitious sales goals, it was unwilling to establish production in North America and could not articulate a clear strategy for penetrating the U.S. market.  The study concluded that despite its public pronouncements, the overseas player viewed the U.S. market as “security” in case of declines in its existing primary markets.  Armed with these findings, our client was able to cancel a planned counter-offensive that would have depleted its war chest and left it in a weakened position for the real battles ahead.

Streamlining Processes

A New England consulting firm needed assistance helping a manufacturer of telecom equipment evaluate its production processes and costs. BR&C was engaged to gather and synthesize information about telecom-equipment manufacturing practices elsewhere in the industry. The study covered workforce structures, parts management, process improvements, outsourcing, distribution, customer service and forecasting. The result was a high-resolution snapshot that allowed the client to determine its own competitiveness regarding costs, policies and procedures.

Home | What's New | About Us | Our Approach | Case Studies | Client Testimonials | Contact Us | Site Map

17 Carlton Terrace, Watertown, MA 02472 - Phone 617-926-2003 · Fax 617-926-2004 · info@bostonrc.com
© Boston Research & Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.