NOVEL SOLUTIONS
Grow Again and Again
SHANNON WETZEL, SENIOR EDITOR R
epeatability, by Chris Zook and James Allen, is a research-based book about the key to successful growth strategies,
using the results of various studies to find a common theme among top-performing businesses. For the metalcasting tycoon exploring his or
her options to acquire more companies, enter new markets or gain new customers, the book provides dry but well-reasoned advice and methodology to help develop a strategy. The authors, both of whom are from business consulting firm Bain and Co., call companies that have been able to constantly adapt to repeat their success Great Repeatable Models. According to Zook and Allen, Great
Repeatable Models are keenly aware of what makes them unique and competitive, have a common understanding among management and employees of non-negotiable principles and exhibit “more self-conscious methods than their competitors to perceive and try to adapt to change.” The best takeaways are the small self-studies
at the end of each chapter on the design principles. Here, the authors provide several questions that metalcasters can ask themselves while they are developing a growth strategy. Questions like, “What are your primary sources of differentiation and does the full management team agree on them?” are meant to prod management to take a deep, meaningful look at what the business’ core strengths are and how to grow around those strengths. To illustrate their points, the authors use
several case studies from a wide range of industries, including business book stand-bys Apple, Procter & Gamble and IKEA, as well as a few more manufacturing-related companies such as construction tool supplier Hilti and MSC, a leading supplier to the metalworking industry. Even if your company isn’t planning on acquiring
new businesses across the globe, Repeatability can guide your company on a journey of self-discov- ery—a self-help book for your business backed by statistics and research.
ABRIDGED
Relevance to Metalcasters Technical Diffi culty Self-Help Fluff Profi t Booster
“Our belief is that for more companies, the antidote to
escalating complexity—and to the greater distance between management and the reality at the front line—is
simplifi cation, creating greater focus and liberating energy.”
Metalcasters’ Translation: As you look to expand your
metalcasting business, keep that expansion in line with what you do best. For instance, if you know gray and duc- tile iron components up to 500 lbs. in moderate volumes is your sweet spot, keep your growth matched to those parameters and make sure this is understood by customer service, sales staff and production managers.
October 2012 MODERN CASTING | 41
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