1. How does Ben Lawson’s Custom Fabricators, Inc., create value for
Orleans?
Custom Fabricators Inc. has a very companionable relationship to Orleans. Orleans Elevator
is a subsidiary of United Technologies and provides Custom Fabricators Inc. with a monthly
schedule of their products and these are produced by order and delivered either to the
nearby Orleans plant site or directly to the construction location. Custom Fabricators Inc.
creates value for Orleans by delivering quality and great service with the speed, reliability
and flexibility of the manufactured items they produce. Most of the manufacturing business
is done with Orleans. Because of Orleans purchasing the raw materials, costs for Custom
Fabricators is limited to land lease, the plant, equipment and employee costs. This leads to a
stable revenue margin of approximately 30 percent. This economic wealth of Custom
Fabricators is being shared with their loyal employees who increased productivity as
business increased. Because of their high employee satisfaction the company’s reputation to
produce quality products and deliver on time has enhanced.
2. In the past, what has been Ben Lawson’s competitive advantage in
keeping the Orleans business?
By having a close relationship with Orleans, Custom Fabricators Inc. has been able to
maintain their competitive advantage. Custom Fabricators understands the business and is
able to provide the exact products whenever they are needed and Orleans can depend on
the quality and the service provided to successfully achieve their goals in completing
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