Tier 1 supplier builds four-stage competitive strategy

摘要

F& P Manufacturing Inc., a Tier 1 automotive supplier, is no stranger to competitive and financial pressures. Unrelenting competitive pressures come from the many other Tier 1 suppliers looking for opportunities to increase their slice of the automotive pie. Financial pressures come from the automobile manufacturers that demand price reductions year after year. To combat these pressures, the company examined its entire manufacturing process, which involves bending, hydroforming, and material handling.