recent projects

Global aerospace company: Resource efficiency opportunities

The client, a global aerospace manufacturer, engaged Lavery Pennell to build the business case to reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase sustainability performance in the areas of waste, energy, transport and packaging.

The work began by building a baseline view of current spend/footprint and resource efficiency activities within the company. This was then reviewed by comparing with the benchmarks and practices of leading peer companies, as well as a solution set of opportunities developed as part of Lavery Pennell’s research for the Next Manufacturing Revolution in collaboration with the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing.

Significant opportunities with less than 2 year payback period were identified. The business case was developed along with an implementation programme. Key enablers were also designed to ensure success, with each enabler tailored to integrate with the culture and existing processes within the client.

Interface: Innovation acceleration

Interface is the world’s largest carpet tile manufacturer and, led by Ray Anderson, in 1994 set a target of zero environmental impact for 2020. Looking to accelerate progress towards this target while increasing revenue, Interface engaged Lavery Pennell to assist to streamline its global innovation processes.

Based on best practices, an innovation cycle was developed that fit with existing Interface ways of working. This included prioritisation of areas for innovation, ideation, idea collection and review, a stage gate pipeline for idea development, and global idea dissemination. Enablers were also designed, including communications, funding mechanisms, knowledge management, an annual review process, and resources required.

In its first year, the global innovation team created substantial value and drove progress towards the sustainability targets.

Global textile manufacturer: Recycling plan

For a leading textile manufacturer, Lavery Pennell was engaged to examine the potential of recycling post-consumer product to decrease costs and improve sustainability.

Following a review of recycling technologies, Lavery Pennell developed a technology roadmap integrating solutions to the technical and cost challenges. The business case for the first two lines was developed, demonstrating a significant cost saving compared to manufacturing processes using virgin material, additional revenue from price premia, as well as supply security and sustainability benefits.

Fuel cell: Due diligence

For this drop-in boiler replacement fuel cell provider, Lavery Pennell oversaw the sell-side due diligence review of the company’s business plan, financial projections (including stress testing of revenue, costs, R&D expenses, working capital and capex) , operating processes, capabilities and project plan. The output included an assessment of the key risks.

This work examined each of these from first principles to ensure rigour. The project was completed on time and provided investors with a clear and structured understanding of the business.

Renewable energy: Investment review

On behalf of an international investor, Lavery Pennell led a study to examine biomass, wind and solar investment opportunities globally.

The project worked with the client to understand in detail their investment criteria and, using factual data, examined the attractiveness of each market. For the shortlisted markets, a detailed review was prepared showing how the investor could enter and build their portfolio.

LED distributor: Growth strategy

Lavery Pennell assisted the client to develop a growth strategy to penetrate the UK lighting market, building on their competitive advantages and international credibility.

The output included a business plan, forward financial projections, a marketing plan and the development of a range of enablers including KPIs.