Confidentiality is always a paramount consideration in M&A deals. Rumors spread quickly and the idea of an ownership change can lead to uncertainty and fear. Business owners don’t want to jeopardize the two most valuable company assets: employees and customers. What should the owner of a plastics manufacturer consider before alerting employees and customers to… Read more »
Selling a business is a (second) full-time job. Many business owners are surprised by the amount of work involved in selling a business. This is especially true of smaller businesses where the owner/operator is a full-time employee and has a limited staff in the top management and accounting functions. First, if an investment banker or… Read more »
There are many attributes that drive value in a plastics manufacturing company. It may be surprising, but among the most important is curb appeal. Simply put: appearance matters. Facilities that are clean and organized leave a favorable first impression on a visitor and, whether it is perception or reality, appearance is often indicative of the… Read more »
Congratulations! You’ve made it over the first two hurdles – finding an opening that suits both your interests and qualifications, and securing an interview with the company. Now comes the make-it-or-break-it moment that can send even seasoned veterans into a state of nail-biting nervousness: the interview. Relax! Below are ten tips for interview success, courtesy… Read more »
Finding talented employees can be a difficult task for any business, but it can be especially challenging for plastics processors. Unemployment rates are approaching ten-year lows and, as countless articles suggest, there is an ever-widening skills gap in the workforce. In this tough hiring environment, many businesses turn to staffing and recruiting firms for help…. Read more »
When the owner of a plastic molding company decides it is time to sell and exit the business, there are generally two overriding questions: How do I maximize the value of my business? How can I attract an acquirer that is a great cultural fit – for my customers and my employees? Maximizing value and… Read more »
Introduction The current and projected growth in Mexico’s manufacturing sector has created a burning need for additional injection molding capacity. For molders or other processors looking to enter the Mexico market, there are a lot of different options. The main ones include acquisition, greenfield site, shelter provider, strategic partnership and even opening a plant on… Read more »
Many of our clients ask us the same question: “Which works better for an injection molding company: manufacturers’ reps or salaried salespeople?” This is a GREAT question and our usual answer is: “Well, it depends…” There are lot of factors that influence the decision, including the size of the company, the industries served, typical product… Read more »
At MBS, we hear this question from a client or potential client at least once a week. Although we are experts in all aspects of M&A, we don’t have a crystal ball. The world is too complicated (and uncertain) these days to know for sure the best time to exit. However, there are some guidelines… Read more »
Terry Minnick & Andrew Munson, partners with MBS, gave a presentation at the Plastics News Financial Summit in Chicago in early June about “What Not to Do When Selling a Molding Company.” The presentation was very well received and recently quoted in Plastics News. Click here to view the article:
As managers, we intuitively know that giving and getting honest feedback is essential to grow and develop, and to build successful organizations. So why is it that many of us put off giving feedback to our employees? Maybe it’s because there are so many ways to mess it up. Here are some common feedback mistakes:… Read more »
Trust is essential when building a healthy and productive work environment. Whether you’re leading an entire department or work hand-in-hand with a just a few coworkers, it’s important to build trusting relationships. Here are several tips to help build trust with both your coworkers and your superiors: Be honest and share information completely. Be straightforward and… Read more »