validus management consultancy UK

Agricultural Supply Case Study

Agro-fertilizers supplier


Overcapacity in the agro-fertilizer market causing company losses
Structured management approach introduced leading to positive trading

THE ORGANISATION

  • A family owned supplier of agro-fertilizers
  • Product portfolio included well known acquired brand names
  • Sales mainly in the UK
  • Operating from two main locations

THE ISSUES / PROBLEMS

  • Overcapacity in the agro-fertilizer market following the introduction of Government Set-aside programme
  • Company currently loss-making

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

  • Carried out detailed commercial analysis and rationalisation programme across the full product portfolio
  • Reviewed the performance of the direct sales force and agency network
  • Detailed review and re-engineering of sales administration procedures
  • Developed and implemented improved production scheduling and planning processes and procedures
  • Established improved distribution planning and control procedures
  • Carried out major review of corporate literature and developed programme for the re-branding of the company
  • Established management review procedures built around key performance measures
  • Carried out management development training and coaching
  • Consolidated organisation onto a single site

PROJECT RESULTS

  • Blended the traditional strengths of a family owned and run business with a more structure management approach
  • Strengthened the management skills and capabilities at all levels of the business
  • Achieved significant improvements to profitability, moved from negative to positive trading position