MANUFACTURING AND EXPORT
Strategic change especially challenges businesses that face high investment needs or direct international competition. A worldwide perspective is an essential starting point. Mendhurst has the skills and experience in international marketing and global economics to make strategic change successful for manufacturers and exporters. We apply practical approaches that tailor change programmes to the special individual circumstances of manufacturers and exporters and help our clients achieve enduring benefits.
Mendhurst’s manufacturing and export clients include public companies, large cooperatives and privately owned businesses. The descriptions below outline a range of our projects:
Facilitated creation of a regional manufacturing strategy to support the growth strategy of a global dairy foods company seeking to double its $600 million Asian revenue. Worked with a multinational team to identify key change barriers, suggest integrated cross-functional approaches and replace outmoded business plans.
Outcome: a practical strategic action plan with strong ownership at all management levels and across all business functions
Designed and facilitated planning processes for a $2bn food exporter seeking a more strategic approach and industry rationalisation after internal leadership change.
Outcome: specific initiatives to overcome a strategic deficit, with renewed support from shareholders and suppliers
Facilitated planning and governance processes for a nationally dominant energy supplier facing new competition and shareholder disunity.
Outcome: clear directions for development and investment to realise re-aligned shareholder objectives
Worked with a publicly listed company to clarify product and market priorities for its rapidly growing export business in natural health products. Advised on Board and management capability requirements to support the agreed strategic priorities.
Outcome: clear strategic choices based on realistic supporting capabilities
Facilitated a strategic review for a large privately owned building company undertaking international expansion to complement its market leadership in New Zealand. Provided independent analysis and highlighted choices for strategic directions and risk preferences
Outcome: focused investment in the growth paths offering optimal return for risk
Worked with the Board, managers and staff to restore profitability in a $500m turnover national meat processing company acquired by a diversified company group.
Developed a comprehensive strategic action plan to improve effectiveness, rationalise operations and regain industry leadership. Reconfigured all senior roles to support strategic change. Provided technical inputs to support key projects, improve management processes and overcome information weaknesses.
Outcome: a profitable business, integration between strategic and operational initiatives, company-wide support for change programmes, better management information
Guided development of a consistent set of tools, systems and processes for more effective people management. Developed outcome-based job descriptions, better profitability and performance measures, and a more consistent appraisal process. Provided training and coaching to enhance performance management, communication and teamwork.
Outcome: a more integrated approach to people management, clearer and more relevant job roles, practical and relevant performance management tools
Helped the owner and management of a $20m turnover seafood exporter plan development and build company value over an extended period:
Conducted a comprehensive strategic review. Rationalised management roles and established systematic job descriptions and selection processes. Provided quality assurance for manager recruitment, new employment contracts and performance management processes. Planned and implemented independent Board oversight.
Outcome: renewed spirit and enterprise, focused and strategically relevant roles, stronger management team, release of staff potential, practical strategic action plan
Advised on a range of strategic and technical issues. Assessed issues and set strategic goals in information and communications technology, management information and business planning. Planned commercial development of offshore marine farming.
Outcome: plans, systems and processes to build a globally competitive operation applying innovative technology
Helped achieve sale of the company to a larger entity with the development capital and ownership to support long-term growth. Project-managed due diligence processes. Served as a director for the new owners to assure continuity of strategy and management.
Outcome: Successful sale that met seller's requirements and achieved buyer satisfaction, plus smooth rapid transition to operation under new ownership
Comprehensively assessed strategy, operations and management for a designer, manufacturer and exporter of top-end fashion textiles
Outcome: extensive action plan to strategically align and practically improve management and operations
Reviewed strategy and Board/management roles for an award-winning niche dairy foods producer facing regulatory barriers to its high-quality independent exporting.
Outcome: independent analysis of the opportunities, challenges and forward paths
Developed and delivered public training programmes and tailored workshops for the New Zealand Institute of Directors. Applied principles of business strategy and company governance to current issues and case studies
Outcome: practical and globally competitive practices for medium-size organisations, with clarity on how directors can add most value
Helped plan and implement a cultural change program to incorporate staff diversity concepts into management of a large United States utility after major litigation
Outcome: clear problem analysis, litigation issues resolved, defused staff tensions, improved staff-management relations, integrated and successful change programme
Conducted market review and prepared financial plan for a manufacturer of engineering products threatened by tariff changes
Outcome: secured overseas shareholder support for operations focused on products and customers with long-term profitability
Led feasibility study and comprehensive accounting support for a merger and joint venture in food processing
Outcome: market-based business plan, accurate costing/accounting, prompt Board reporting
Developed an innovative framework for joint R&D projects in a major export industry
Outcome: robust and practical processes for competitors to selectively collaborate
Provided non-executive directorship for a new energy generation technology venture facing strategic stalemate
Outcome: interests clarified, fairer inter-company contracts, ownership changes
Other services performed for a range of clients include:
Programmes and workshops to improve Board/management strategy development and review
Outcome: clearer strategic thinking, better deployment of strategy, improved teamwork
Design of senior management structures, contracts, goals, remuneration and performance appraisal
Outcome: effective and defensible role definition and performance management
Facilitation of staff focus groups and problem-solving workshops
Outcome: more constructive and creative staff, specific and widely owned solutions
To protect commercial interests, we do not publish client lists. Confidential referees can be made available to
prospective clients.
