I would like to hire a Market Researcher

SCOPE:

We are looking to contract the services of a professional individual or market research company to undertake strategic market research. We concur with an initial macro level framework scoring of proposed sectors/areas, followed by deeper analysis in the areas selected to identify market trends; industry analysis; competitor analysis; buyer behaviour analysis, etc.

Background:

We commenced a Strategic Planning process and recognized the fact that the current market(s) which we service will not be adequate to accommodate the planned growth trajectory ($5.5 million to $20 million by 2021). With this in mind, we have identified some related/allied areas and need to get a greater understanding of the size of the markets, rate of growth and the key players, as well as defining and identifying areas for growth, etc.

The underlying assumption of the business’ 2021 strategy was:

- Retain agility and flexibility in manufacturing as a core strength of business;

- Remain in manufacturing for foreseeable future;

- Focus on equity growth and saleable value; and

- Pursue a continuous improvement program (already under way) which will deliver results from:

o Lean implementation;

o Workshop efficiencies; and

o Utilization improvements.

The business’ core strength lies in its: agility and flexibility; building, plant and equipment; access to solid trusted advisors; manufacturing history and knowledge; long serving loyal people and skillsets; diversification (market, product, and customer spread); solid financial position; excellent reputation and established networks; lean practices and principles; solid systems and procedures; and tested ISO 9001 accreditation.

That being said, the business owners recognize the fact that contract manufacturing in Australia is somewhat limited and are therefore open to exploring other options outside of manufacturing by means of spin off businesses.

Facilities:

Our facilities are based in Queensland, Australia, and are comprised of the following:

- 2500 sq. meter workshop under cover

- Extensive yard area/laydown yard giving capacity to create temporary or permanent expansion

- 3.2 T overhead crane

- Extensive inhouse processing capabilities including:

o Welding and fabrication;

o Pressing and stamping;

o Bending and folding;

o Cutting and punching;

o Deburring;

o Machining;

o Assembly; and

o Packing and transport.

SWOTT Analysis:

Strengths:

 Agility and flexibility;

 Building (asset) & Equipment;

 Trusted Advisors;

 Manufacturing history and knowledge;

 Skillsets;

 People;

 Foundation (stability, ethics, etc.);

 Diversification (market spread, product spread, and customer spread);

 Financial position (stability and credibility);

 Reputation;

 Established networks;

 Integrity;

 Lean principles;

 Systems and procedures;

 Capacity;

 Structure;

 ISO 9001 accreditation.

Weaknesses:

 Operations driven;

 Multitasking (job spread);

 Lack of role clarity and accountability;

 Geographic location;

 Clarity in business direction;

 Layout inefficiencies;

 Sales;

 Diversity (expand into larger manufacturing, design, engineering, install)

 Lack of specialised skills;

 Process disciplines;

 Owner dependent;

 Backstopping all roles.

Opportunities:

 Site work;

 Installations;

 Drafting/design solutions;

 Prototyping;

 TMR;

 3D Printing;

 Larger fabricated items;

 Variety/diversification;

 Create legislation or standards (specific expertise);

 Additional services (e.g. 3D laser)

 Tracking government spending;

 Marketing opportunities (social media);

 Security (domestic/terror);

 Elements (natural disasters);

 Local and regional opportunities.

Threats:

 Exchange rate;

 Steel pricing (global);

 Government spending;

 3D printing;

 Offshore manufacturing;

 Technological advances;

 Funding growth (availability of financing);

 War;

 Unions;

 Terror;

 Elements (natural disasters);

 Disruptors;

 New entrants (competitors);

 Bypass supply chain (by customers);

 Taxes

Trends (watch):

 3D Printing;

 Government spending (sector monitoring);

 Industry trends;

 Labour costs;

 Raw material costs;

 Taxes (State and Federal);

 Globalization (offshore opportunities);

 Safety legislation.

Perceived opportunities:

In no particular order or priority, we have brainstormed and narrowed the field to the following possibilities:

- Stainless steel fabrication:

o Markets

o Constraints

o Specialised skills required

o Competition

o Facilities requirements

o Specialised equipment

o Products (gaps)

o Uses:

 Laboratories

 Food processing

 etc.

- Materials handling for food industry

- Temporary modular bridges

- Flood proof bridges (pontoon type design)

- Facilities fitout (stainless steel) food, medical, etc. facilities

- Walkways and access platforms/Maintenance access platforms and stairways

o fab and supply

o install

o ongoing maintenance

o use of alternate materials (polymers etc.)

- Packaging: stillage and crates

- Agriculture:

o Livestock handling

o Grain handling

o Irrigation

o Other opportunities in agriculture

- Security: mobile/temporary bollards to prevent vehicle access

- Services:

o design construct

o project management (bridges, civil, other)

o engineering services

Other areas for investigation:

- latest developments in manufacturing technology(ies)

- Innovation in manufacturing materials (e.g. composite fibre in place of steels)

- Growing demand trends in services related to manufacturing

Markkinatutkimus

Projektin tunnus: #13910599

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