Challenge:
An apparel company that began in a basement had grown into a $68 million business. With ambitious plans to double sales and EBITDA within five years and prepare for a future sale, the company faced the critical challenge of scaling efficiently while maintaining operational discipline.
Approach:
Work Excellence was introduced through a trusted connection to help achieve these bold objectives. The initial focus was to:
-Assess operations across manufacturing, supply chain, HR, and strategy.
-Align growth plans with a clear operational structure.
-Lay the groundwork for both profitability and market readiness for a potential sale.
Solution:
Through targeted workshops and consulting engagements, the Work Excellence Method was integrated across departments:
01.
Manufacturing: Introduced a Min/Max inventory system and a dye scheduling program to reduce shortages and optimize stock levels.
02.
HR & Recruitment: Revamped hiring strategy to reflect company values, leading to better staff retention in key production areas.
03.
Employee Engagement: Improved onboarding and training through job rotations and orientation programs, driving higher employee satisfaction.
04.
Financial Performance: Operational changes directly supported the company’s goal of doubling sales and EBITDA—and they delivered.
Results: The strategic overhaul produced high-impact results:
Reduced inventory waste and improved supply chain responsiveness.
Positioned the company for a strategic sale, completed in 2019, with founders retaining partial ownership.
Established a scalable, sustainable operational model to support long-term
success.
Sales and EBITDA doubled within the targeted five-year timeline.
Improved employee retention and satisfaction in production roles.
Key Takeaway
This case study highlights how the Work Excellence Method can drive strategic growth and operational readiness for high-stakes milestones like company sales. Through thoughtful planning, cross-functional execution, and cultural alignment, the
apparel company didn’t just scale, they secured financial goals and long-term value.