Problem Definition: Riordan Manufacturing
Riordan Manufacturing is a well-established global plastics producer employing 550 individuals and projected annual earnings of $46 million (University of Phoenix, 2005). The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of the business situation. This summary will identify challenges and opportunities, business goals, and potential problems preventing the successful realization of these goals.
The process used to identify the above is the nine-step Problem Solving Approach supported by UOP. Only the first three steps will initially be detailed. These steps describe the scenario, establish end state goals, and frame potential problems.
Situation Background
As a global plastics producer, Riordan Manufacturing employs 550 individuals. The business has projected annual earnings of $46 million (University of Phoenix, 2005). The company is a division of Riordan Industries, a Fortune 1000 enterprise. Riordan Mfg. has production divided among three plants. Plastic beverage containers are produced in Albany, Georgia. Custom plastic parts are manufactured in Pontiac, Michigan. Parts for plastic fan are produced in Hangzhou, China. Corporate is headquartered in San Jose, California with Research and Development located there as well. Riordan maintains major accounts with the automotive parts industry, aircraft manufacturers, and the Department of Defense. Other major customers include beverage makers and bottlers, and appliance manufacturers (University of Phoenix, 2005).
The company has experienced declining sales and uneven profits over the past two years. This has prompted the company to change its sales processes, and led them to adopt a new management system. Recently, Riordan made several strategic ...