This case contemplates whether New Balance, among the world's five largest makers of athletic footwear, should react to Adidas' planned purchase of Reebok-a transaction that will join up with the second- and third-biggest companies in the business. It highlights the unique aspects of the strategy of New Balance -focusing on performance and fit by offering long lived shoes in eschewing celeb endorsement of its products and a wide selection of widths and discusses New Balance's operations decisions to support that strategy.
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. (Abridged) Case Study Solution
These include major utilization of domestic manufacturing at a time when almost all other opponents sourced finished shoes from Asian suppliers and an emphasis on enhancing stock management for its network of big and small retailers. Set just following the announcement of the Adidas- in 2005, with New Balance having lately began a companywide effort to enhance operational performance through the application of concepts from lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System. Requests pupils to consider whether aspects of its operations strategy should change in light of the consolidation among its competitors or whether the Adidas-Reebok trade represents a chance for New Balance to highlight the importance of moving forward with its present approach.
PUBLICATION DATE: November 16, 2012 PRODUCT #: 613006-PDF-ENG
This is just an excerpt. This case is about TECHNOLOGY & OPERATIONS
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