OUR
FOCUS
AREAS
Click on a Focus Area to read more about our Manufacturing Consulting Specialties
Business Crisis Management
A sudden cash flow surprise, loss of a key customer, loss of key employees….it can happen.
Unexpected external circumstances can create a crisis that causes a ripple through the organization with the potential to cause a cascade of damage in other areas.
ClearStone can move into action quickly to address the root cause of the issue and calm the ripple.
We have handled many crisis situations and not only solved the initial problem but often created an outcome that was better than before the problem occurred. Please see our Case Studies section for explanation of several crisis cases.
Vision - Strategy - Business Plans
Ideally, a business starts with a sound vision, strategy and a detailed business plan.
As a business grows and evolves, and as markets and technology change, the alignment of resources and focus will need to change and continually evolve to be optimum.
A frequently updated Vision, Strategy and Business Plan is crucial to ensure all the companies’ efforts and resources are focused on the best possible path to success.
Turnaround - Restructuring
Time changes everything. A business that was started many years ago may have had ideal equipment, processes, personnel, skills, vision, strategy.
Over time, what was once ideal, will no longer be ideal to maximize the potential of the business, both financially and as a positive part of the community and lives of its employees.
Every business needs to change. Either a little bit every year in the right direction, or a lot at once to get on the best path.
Financing - Capital Sourcing - Cash Flow Optimization
Having sufficient capital and adequate financing for a manufacturing business can be a challenge.
The businesses are often capital intensive with specialized equipment and large inventories of raw material and work- in-process.
Sales and cash flow forecasting can be extremely difficult to predict as they are based on customer forecasts that are inaccurate.
At ClearStone we have a proven cash flow and financial model that will help provide a clear understanding of the businesses’ cash flow and capital requirements.
Operational Improvements
At ClearStone, we bring true manufacturing operational experience. Our team has hands-on experience running operations of all sizes and complexities.
We will quickly perform an analysis of the operations and identify improvement opportunities on a priority basis.
We are also here to help and will gladly work with your team to implement the changes to achieve the intended results.
Rightsizing - Downsizing
In order to maximize possible returns and preserve cash, it is necessary to continually analyze the performance of the business, and if market conditions dictate, right size the business.
Rightsizing the business means adjusting all costs to suit the sales and production demand, including costs other than just labor.
Vendor Management and Negotiation
At ClearStone International, we bring a unique approach to help businesses improve their vendor contracts and achieve substantial ongoing savings. We are not your ordinary consultants. We will not only analyze your spend and bring to attention the highest priority opportunities for improvement, we will help make the changes for you.
We put our money where our mouth is. We are pleased to enter into assignments where we are not paid for our time, but rather only paid for results, via a percentage of the savings we find and implement for you.
Sales - Marketing - Branding
Sales revenue is well known to be the life blood of a manufacturing business. Revenue and cash flow generated by selling products or services keeps all the wheels moving and makes the business possible.
Sales, marketing and building the companies’ brand, ultimately determines the companies’ direction and future.
There should be a continual focus on re-evaluating each of these areas to ensure the business is heading in the right direction and focusing its resources on the best opportunities.
Pricing is both a financial science and a balancing act, dependent on many factors and circumstances.
Project Management
Effective project management needs to be at the core of all manufacturing companies. Everything is a project. A company is a collection of projects.
A successful project not only accomplishes the task at hand but builds in a system to ensure the project becomes an integrated and self-diagnostic part of the overall process.
At ClearStone we love managing projects. “An ounce of care is worth a pound of cure”.
Human Resources
At ClearStone International, human resources is one of our specialties and areas closest to our hearts.
People are a businesses’ greatest asset, and conversely typically it’s largest controllable cost.
Many factors are critical with regards to human resources, including safety, recruitment, onboarding, retention, skills assessment/alignment, culture, payroll processing, payroll costs, health benefits, 401k, workers compensation, training, policies, communication, incentives and many other important subjects.
At ClearStone International we understand all of these areas intimately.
Interim Staffing
With our long history and experience running manufacturing businesses, we have developed a proven team of experienced individuals able to work on project assignments.
Whether you need help in filling interim roles for CEO, CFO, senior management, or departmental manager levels, we have the personnel who can jump in and be effective day one.
We can also provide experienced talent to train your employees to get to the next level.
ClearStone International
Clear Solutions. Solid Results.
Facility Expansion and Greenfield Start-up
At ClearStone International, our foundation is engineering and project management.
We have overseen the facility layout, building construction, machinery moves and complete setup of numerous operations.
We know what it takes to handle all the complexities involved with a major expansion or a new facility.
This may include hiring and training the right management team and key employees, and also setting up all systems, including ERP, quality and financial.
ClearStone International
Clear Solutions. Solid Results.
Acquisitions and Integration
An acquisition may be an effective way to expand a business for many reasons, including geographical, size/volume, capabilities or technology.
At ClearStone, our objective is to help our clients make the best acquisitions for their businesses, at the most reasonable costs, and to ensure there will be solid results after the acquisition is completed and integrated.
Often acquisitions are made with great hope and excitement, yet frequently become a regrettable and costly mistake.
Mergers and Joint Ventures
Mergers are often grouped in with “Mergers and Acquisitions”. We feel a merger is different, often more complicated, not less, than an acquisition or a sale.
A Merger means both parties are involved with the business going forward, even if one party is the controlling party. This adds another layer of complexity, not just completing the agreements, but also typically managing the business going forward.
A Joint Venture can take many forms from being a joint ownership and joint investment arrangement, to various forms of working together or “strategic alliances”, such as a co-operation agreement regarding sales opportunities or markets.
Sale of the Business
A sale of a business is often one of the biggest decisions a client will make. How the sale process is handled can make a significant difference to the selling price and terms.
We have been directly involved in the sale of many businesses or divisions, as well as many acquisitions on the other side. We fully understand both sides, as a seller and as a buyer.
International – USA, Canada and Mexico
The ClearStone team has worked extensively in Canada, USA and Mexico. We’ve operated businesses in all three countries, so appreciate the many differences, including labor and tax laws as well as cultural differences.
We can help in all three countries within our topics of focus, including helping establish new facilities, hire and train management teams and project manage moving and setting up operations.
ClearStone International
Clear Solutions. Solid Results.
Our Process is Straightforward.
Contact us and we’ll have a confidential conversation with you to quickly assess the situation. No charge. We will listen, ask questions and immediately discuss ideas and potential solutions with you.
We prioritize and focus on actions that will have the most beneficial impact, and then either work with you to get them done or do it completely for you with your approval.
