Fall 2006 issue of Horizons

A Lean Vision, Acquisitions

Packaging Automation

In 1987, Great Britain experienced strong demand in public markets for companies in the technology sector, which was a great fit for Barry-Wehmiller. The company shrewdly bundled acquired technology companies to list on the London Stock Exchange and enjoyed a very successful Initial Public Offering (IPO). Fortunately, this strategy put those compa- nies in a strong equity position for growth and took Barry- Wehmiller out of its financial crisis. Flush with cash, the com- pany repositioned and became more successful pursuing its new marketing strategy. Today, when exploring new acquisitions, Barry-Wehmiller looks to the U.S. with a global view in mind. Desiring to be a global player based in the U.S. means searching for U.S. companies with a rich history and strong base in packaging, corrugating and converting machinery. Potential acquisitions also must offer opportunities to add or bring value to the glob- al market. That's the perfect scenario for Barry-Wehmiller to add its skills.

install and service our equipment, and we believe we do it better than anyone in the industry.”

The company sees two key challenges for growth: (1) grow- ing competition in a global environment with heightened pric- ing and cost pressure, and (2) the recruitment of leadership personnel who can embrace company culture and carry out its philosophy to successfully achieve new acquisitions and integrate them with existing ones. “We like to say we are only limited by our ability to attract and develop new players in the organization,” says Lawson. Barry-Wehmiller refers to its employees as “associates” and strives to create a culture of performance and a healthy work environment to empower associates to come to work, enjoy what they do and develop their full potential. A set of “Guiding Principles for Leadership” is summed up as: “We measure success by the way we touch the lives of people.”

“Our number one skill is what we call our Customer Service Covenant,” says Lawson. “We serve our customers' needs to

Engineering Consulting

29 • summer 2006 issue

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