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Competitiveness Review Assessment Guides Manufacturer through Business Plan Strategy
With the help of: Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana (MEP of LA)
About
Alta Max has been a manufacturer and distributor for specialty packing (commercial and military applications) and tamper indicative security seals since 2001. Alta Max has also been a niche provider in manufacturing specialty packaging for munitions. The company has built their reputation by providing prompt delivery of ordered items, short lead times, quality products, outstanding customer support, and fair pricing. Their 44,000-square-foot facility in New Orleans houses their specialty packaging and security products. The security products division has grown to be one of the largest suppliers in the US with over 200 different styles and over 3,000,000 seals in inventory.
The Challenge
Alta Max was in search of high net margins and greater operational efficiencies while optimizing labor costs and developing additional product lines. Alta Max also wanted to establish a long-term plan to grow sales.
The consultation and recommendations that were proposed have been and are being implemented throughout our company. Dan made us focus on and bring to the forefront things that we have had as concerns about individually, but can now concentrate on as a unit.
MEP's Role
Dan Stumper, a project manager at the MEP of Louisiana (MEPOL), part of the MEP National Network™, met with Alta Max’s Vice President Kevin Vorisek to discuss the business challenges the company was experiencing. After gathering information on the company, Stumper concluded Alta Max was already in the process of developing a strategic plan but in need of help designing the best path forward.
After conducting the formal competitiveness review to assess the company, Stumper found Alta Max had many different areas that proved to be very profitable to help the company grow and prosper. The competitiveness review is a nationally-recognized assessment tool that provides an on-site, systematic evaluation of a manufacturer’s business measuring operations and performance against globally competitive criteria. Ultimately it was discovered Alta Max was in need of the following: continuation of the development of the strategic business plan, an increase in sales and marketing efforts, market research, customer review implementation, and lean manufacturing tool implementation such as Lean 101, 5S training and value stream mapping.
As a result of Stumper’s recommendations following the Competitiveness Review assessment, the company has implemented several of the tools listed above. The experience, insight and guidance offered by Project Manager Dan Stumper has helped the company create a clear path to success. The client is looking forward to ongoing business growth as a result of the implementation of MEP of Louisiana’s recommendations.