Seraph.

Out of the following 7 countries, the ones with the greatest increase in manufacturing per capita also had the highest GDP per capita growth. However, in every case but Russia, manufacturing value added lagged growth in other sectors. Notably, Japan has struggled. Similarly, the U.K. and the U.S. have relied heavily on other sectors to fuel growth. Latest data available from the OECD and World Bank, analyzed by the Seraph team. Follow Seraph. for more on #manufacturing. Specifically, lots more on the automotive industry coming soon as we publish our Quarterly survey results.

On a relocation and consolidation project, the client was facing severe financial problems but was planning to restructure their plants. However, they were not prepared for a successful transition and were unable to achieve it without harming the customer base. Seraph was brought in and implemented a structured planning approach. Learn more about the actions taken and their results: https://lnkd.in/gTg2MEsc #OurTakeOnManufacturing #CaseStudy Seraph.

Sometimes, the issues are clear, but the root causes are hidden in the details. With the right perspective, constraints can be identified faster than expected. A supplier was failing to meet the contracted capacity requirements for its wiring harness products during both pre-assembly and assembly processes. This shortfall caused a production shutdown at the OEM during a product launch, as they had to wait for the supplier's wiring harnesses. When the harnesses were finally available, the packaging and sequencing into complete vehicle sets were incorrectly executed. The OEM engaged Seraph to develop and implement action plans for improving capacity and production. Read more about the approach taken and its results: https://lnkd.in/gWsEqsPb #OurTakeOnManufacturing #CaseStudy Seraph.

Seraph was brought in a Private Equity-backed manufacturer for a footprint evaluation and development of a Relocation Management Plan. The client wanted to achieve a $1M+ annual CAPEX reduction. The focus was optimizing a plant and distribution center within 100 miles of each other. Learn more about the actions and results of this project: https://lnkd.in/gwigtqyw #OurTakeOnManufacturing #CaseStudy Seraph.

Yesterday, our team had the pleasure of attending the 12th Automotive Industry Golf Challenge, a charitable event benefiting the Rhonda Walker Foundation. Established in 2003, the Foundation is dedicated to empowering inner-city teenage girls in Detroit. The unity between the automotive industry and such a noble cause underscores the heart of Detroit's community. The enthusiasm and active participation of all attendees in the outing, auctions, and raffles were truly inspiring. It was heartwarming to witness the strong support and reconnect with friends and colleagues at such a meaningful event. We are grateful for the impact that this foundation has had on the city of Detroit and look forward to continuing to support efforts that empower our community. Seraph. Brian Fairchild Jack Caccioppo Seung Yang Jerry Snider, MBA

A private equity-owned Tier 1 medical device manufacturer was facing excess capacity and high infrastructure costs. The COO suspected that closing two plants could alleviate these issues but needed a thorough evaluation of the manufacturing footprint and an optimization plan to boost the low asset utilization. Seraph created a detailed management plan. This involved developing process flow charts (master routers) for over 30,000 active SKUs, which facilitated the formulation of product transfer strategies based on machine work center capabilities and capacity, among other actions. Read more about the results of this project: https://lnkd.in/gYEnkfhu #OurTakeOnManufacturing #CaseStudy Seraph.

Operational due diligence is crucial for successful manufacturing acquisitions. It goes beyond traditional financial reviews, uncovering hidden value and identifying risks. Expert teams provide industry-specific insights, benchmarking, and a roadmap for immediate improvements and sustainable growth. The best due diligence teams don't just avoid risk; they see where risks can become strengths. Comprehensive operational analyses can set the stage for rapid post-acquisition value creation. This approach helps acquirers make informed decisions and drive profitability. https://lnkd.in/ep52ZdhC

It's amazing to see more manufacturing startups getting funded. To transition from investor-funded to customer-funded, they need to move from prototype to production. Fortunately, they can learn from EV and auto tech companies that reached mass production, and those that didn't. Our latest article explores how eVTOL and hard tech startups can manage growing pains. Learn strategies for scaling, process development, and effective supplier evaluation. Download our industrialization checklist as a tool to review with your team. https://lnkd.in/eNaFuPdi

Ocean freight is experiencing disruption, with rates increasing on major routes. Despite decreased orders, limited capacity and many canceled voyages are causing prices to rise. This mismatch between supply and demand creates market instability, forcing shippers to use expensive spot market options. The industry faces logistical challenges. Port congestion leads to long ship wait times and cargo accumulation. A shortage of empty containers adds to these issues, making it difficult for shippers to obtain necessary equipment. These problems are reminiscent of the post-pandemic crisis, indicating reduced supply chain efficiency. Geopolitical tensions worsen the situation. Especially in the Red Sea, as we've previously shared, conflicts have required ships to take longer, more expensive routes, further straining limited capacity. These detours increase transit times and fuel costs, pushing rates per nautical mile to high levels similar to those seen during the pandemic. This week marks the highest FBX Global Container Index since Sept 2022 but remains substantially off the peak of February 2022, when the index was above $9,800. Unfortunately, no relief is in sight for this year.

A month after the event, we are still thrilled with the outstanding turnout for the 2024 Seraph Operations Excellence Awards. On Thursday, June 6th, 2024, the Seraph team celebrated the second annual Seraph Operational Excellence Awards alongside leaders from the automotive industry. The event welcomed over 140 guests representing more than 50 companies. This year's highlights included a keynote address by Jan Griffiths, CEO of Gravitas Detroit, and presentations by the winning students from the Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program. Explore an overview of our memorable evening! https://lnkd.in/gg3gw74p #SeraphAwards #OperationalExcellence #celebrationlceremony #manufacturing #awardwinners #thankyou #logistics #humanresources #operations #quality #bestoverall