Billions of dollars have been spent by the U.S. government on developing a broad range
of technologies for space and defense applications. Much of this technology has been
later applied to industrial and commercial applications. Winbridge works with
companies in the defense industry to bring this technology effectively and efficiently to
commercial markets. The principals of Winbridge have worked with defense
companies on such projects since the early seventies. Two national surveys of the
U.S. defense industry were co-sponsored by Winbridge (along with KPMG Peat Marwick and
DRI/McGraw-Hill). These surveys showed that such projects can be
successful, to the benefit of both the defense companies and their
industrial/commercial partners.
A set of Key Success Factors emerged out of the Winbridge experience
and were confirmed by the National Surveys. This experience and the Key Success
Factors have been recorded in various forms and are available from The Winbridge
Group, Inc. (please ask for a copy by e-mailing
marketing@winbridgegroup.com).
Key Benefits
Experienced professionals who have worked on numerous commercialization projects;
Thorough and comprehensive process for research and analysis;
Well developed process to identify opportunities;
Effective implementation program to meet the objectives of our client.
Capabilities
Professional Team
While searching for opportunities to commercialize defense technologies, it is critical
to have a team of professionals who have experience in the process; and knowledge of the
industries of interest. Winbridge is composed of a group of
professionals who are highly experienced in working with clients on these types of
engagements. Most of our staff have advanced degrees in business, science and/or
engineering. We know the processes that work and the pitfalls. Our teams
are also skilled in a wide range of industries, technologies and/or functions and bring
these qualities to the client team. Some of the industries we cover include
instrumentation, chemical manufacturing equipment, machine tools, pumps, valves, controls,
precision molded rubber parts, industrial and medical lasers, aerospace/defense systems
and components, weighing systems and components, plumbing fixtures, foundry equipment,
electronic components, laboratory equipment, etc. We have expertise in automation,
manufacturing systems, chemical manufacturing, lasers, rubber/plastic manufacturing and
materials.
Workshop Approach
Our workshops are designed to stimulate a creative environment. We believe that a
well founded opportunity search evolves out of a group which has all of the information it
needs and creative environment in which to develop the program. Our market research
and analytical techniques contribute the necessary information. Our creative
process, as implemented by our experienced professionals in our workshops, provides the
creative environment. All of this is done in a small number of intensive
workshops. At the conclusion of the sessions, the team has identified opportunities;
and partner candidate companies that make sense for the opportunity; and are willing
to discuss partnership.
Creative Process and Techniques
Over the years, The Winbridge Group, Inc. has developed a process to
help a top management team quickly and efficiently set goals and objectives and develop a
useful set of criteria for evaluating commercialization opportunities. We work with
the management team to understand better their resources and capabilities and the
implications. One common approach for commercialization is to acquire a
complementary company in a commercial business. Finding attractive candidates
willing to discuss some form of partnership, including acquisition, is not always easy.
Winbridge is skilled at "selling" our clients to potentially reluctant
candidates and bringing them to the table to start negotiations.
Market Research
At various points in the search process, it is critical to bring in information about
industries and companies that may not be readily available. During our workshop
process we identify this missing information and then put together a program to obtain
it. To assist in this regard, Winbridge has a team of experienced market researchers
who are skilled in conducting personal and telephone interviews with high level
professionals. Most of the information is available from key industry sources.
We interview these people either over the telephone or in person.
Occasionally, we will conduct broader based interviews using a variety of techniques
from
Focus Groups, to Mail Surveys to large scale telephone surveys.
Implementation System
Many companies have found over the years that their strategic plans become shelf
decorations and are not systematically implemented. We have worked with some our
clients and evolved an implementation process that helps to overcome this problem.
It involves the use of a dedicated Strategic Control Center, brief periodic meetings in
which specific actions are planned, follow up meetings to check progress and plan
next steps. Computer based programs have also been used in a supplementary
way to facilitate the process.
Information Request Form
The easiest, fastest way to contact us is with an e-mail
to info@winbridgegroup.com with
any questions or requests.
Or, select the items below that apply, and then let us know how to contact you.
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