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One business totally transformed by the MilwardDoran approach is Pack-Tech International. It had been established as a manufacturing unit in Australia producing an innovative range of extremely strong but lightweight pallets for international shipping.
There were tremendous advantages to the technology, such as freedom from contamination and resistance to water, as well as the possibilities of adapting the pallets to products, such as drums, to increase handling performance, but the business was not delivering what was possible.
The light weight meant less freight cost being applied to the packaging and more to the profitable cargo. The hygiene performance made the pallets suited to pharmaceutical and food exports in particular, and the freedom from contamination cut delays and the expense of anti-vermin/disease measures.
Fresh capital was introduced to transform the business and its management.
The focus was shifted onto producing the machines that made the pallets as this had greater potential for worldwide sales.
Mike Milward found suitable manufacturing facilities in China and the production of machines began. At the same time, an international sales drive saw pallet factories being set up in India and Malaysia.
It was finally possible to sell the business on and it continues to prosper.
When Auset Jumping Castles first made contact with MilwardDoran, they wanted to strengthen both their sales programme and their cash flow. They knew they had a good product in their range of bouncy castles branded with some of the favourites among youngsters - like Barbie, Hi5 and Disney themes but the impetus on take-up had greater potential.
The first bit of assistance was the swift establishment of a revised business plan with sales budget and marketing strategy. Specialist advisors from MilwardDoran's circle of associates were also called in to assist with aspects of the business.
Over an eighteen month period, Milward Doran have recruited 24 new franchisees into the Auset network. This has been down to a strong advertising and website strategy and execution guided by MilwardDoran.
Input to the franchise model with some new concepts has brought additional value to franchisees and the business is now much more successful in getting new applicants through the door.
In the early days when the Auset directors were suggesting international expansion, they followed the advice of their business mentor:
"Get the business model tuned to perfection at home", they were advised by Mike Milward.
"We couldn't argue with that" says Auset director Craig Caruana.
Those plans were shelved while the core business was sorted out but now they have the green light and the first of a chain of franchises have already been established in New Zealand with other international markets now in the frame.
MilwardDoran advised on broadening the offer so, Auset have added to their product portfolio and are now, among other projects, Australian agents for the world's largest producers of water slides. "With the assistance of Milward Doran, we are increasing the opportunities for different sales areas way into the future" says Craig Caruana. |
