Auto Parts Manufacturer

Case Overview

Your client is an automobile interior plastic product manufacturing company. The client’s market share is 20% and the industry’s growth rate is nominal.

Over the past two quarters, their profits have stagnated and the CEO is concerned.

The company has only one customer and the customer continuously forces the client to price down. The company has one factory outside of Detroit and the factory is running at 70% utilization. The company manufactures 42% of the product on that factory and outsources
the remaining 58%.

The CEO would like to improve factory utilization as well as improve profitability… could you help develop some recommendations?

Case Prompt

Your client is a automobile plastic manufacturer whose profits have reached a plateau and have the added challenge of a client who is running the show. They have asked you to come in and help them increase profits and make better use of their factory. In this Kearney consulting case study, it will be your job to get inside their operations, find the kinks and provide your client with real world answers. We suggest using the Profitability Framework for this case, but don’t put yourself in a box. Take the framework and make it your own by bringing your unique knowledge to the table.

This case has one math diagrams. The qualitative difficulty is 3 out of 4. You could expect to see this case in a A.T. Kearney second round interview.

Kearney Interview Tips

What does Kearney look for in its case interview candidates? They are looking for someone who is just as comfortable with numbers as they are with humans (if not more so.) Make sure you are ready to crank some numbers and showcase your problem solving skills.

For this case, focus on the following:

• Focus on coming away with 1 key takeaway or area you can improve
• Time yourself as you work through the case. Aim for (2min for structure, 5min for math, 2min for brainstorming, 2min for conclusion)

For out-loud practice with an expert, book an hour with an ex-MBB coach.