I appointed Ian to restructure and eventually close a loss making French company. Ian completed this challenging project on time, considerably under cost budget, maintained the support of the workforce and did not disrupt customer build programmes.

Background

French subsidiary of UK automotive Group facing product technology obsolescence and cliff edge of no new business tier 1/OEM contract wins.

Actions and results

  • Reviewed strategic options with client resulting in decision to close the company
  • Supported HR restructuring partner in negotiations with Comite d’entreprise on Livre I and Livre II, reaching agreement within 10 weeks of formal announcement of closure decision
  • Managed end of supply relationship and transfer negotiations with each client
  • Managed transfer of 10 assembly lines, component tooling and injection presses to several new supply partners
  • Manufactured 2-3 months of finished product and component buffer stocks (value: €2m) in addition to existing customer demand to facilitate line transfers
  • Managed “soft landing” for end of company’s activities; closure costs within agreed budget of €10m