Low-cost, foreign manufacturing continues to plague small companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Three area manufacturers contacted SEWN for assistance in re-defining their business options in light of losing 85%-90% of their customer base to outsourcing. SEWN is coaching each owner through the steps of possible new market expansion. SEWN is also coordinating interaction with the Mid Atlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center, the Small Business Development Center, and Economic Development representatives to assist with market research, plans, and financing options. SEWN's goal is to help reduce the trauma of being a "start-up" company for the second time by drawing on our extensive knowledge and experience across a broad range of business segments to ease the company's transition.

 

A Northeastern Pennsylvania precision sheet metal fabricator experienced declining profit margins on its primary products. With nearly fifty percent of its business resting on its main customer, diversification was a key issue for this company. SEWN provided the company with a detailed financial analysis, including trends, product margins, and customer profitability. Using this information, SEWN helped the company to create a robust operational plan with which it can reverse its diminishing margins.

 

An innovative Central Pennsylvania manufacturer of specialty car products and accessories experienced growth-related issues resulting from its recent expansion. The company engaged SEWN to assist it with cash flow, cost forecasting, and market positioning. SEWN performed a detailed analysis with growth-based recommendations for the company. This analysis has helped the company to restructure the business. SEWN is also working with the company to leverage its financial base to support its growth.

 

A Northwestern Pennsylvania manufacturer of controls, connectors, and harnesses contacted SEWN for assistance. SEWN's initial analysis found that, while the company increased its sales over the prior year, its net profit had actually decreased. Working with the Northwestern Industrial Resource Center, SEWN concentrated its efforts on the company's new product operating line, creating a Value Stream Map. This analysis resulted in an action plan that will lead to $500,000 to $1 million in sales retention, a 10% reduction of labor cost, and a cost-avoidance of $5000 in unnecessary investment. These savings will enable the company to invest in necessary equipment upgrades.

Since its inception in 1993, the Strategic Early Warning Network (SEWN) had contributed to the retention and revival of close to 700 industrial enterprises within Pennsylvania, impacting more than 18,000 jobs. SEWN assists manufacturers throughout the state who are struggling to grow or to improve the competitiveness of their business. SEWN provides professional and confidential turnaround, financial, and investment services to small- and middle-market firms employing 25-500 workers through the following core services: Financial Restructuring, Operational Restructuring and Cost Management, Ownership Transition, High Performance Workplace Strategies, and New Market Opportunities. All of SEWN's services are provided at no cost to the manufacturer, and all information provided is handled in strict confidence.