Timken Co.: Market Entry into Romania (A) Case Solution And Analysis, HBR Case Study Solution & Analysis of Harvard Case Studies

November 17, 1997, John T. Elsasser, the vice-president of the business-Timken Co. bearings for Europe, Africa and West Asia, the company offers reviews on the Romanian government to acquire Rulmenti Gray, SA, industrial bearing plant through privatization of the Romanian State Property Fund. Elsasser reflected on the significance of the acquisition and its potential impact on the global business of Timken bearings. Although Rulmenti Gray offers the required production capacity and improve the cost structure, Timken were afraid of political instability in Romania and many of the operational integration of the plant into the global organization of Timken. It is important to note that investments are also a noticeable shift in the corporate culture and goals. Rulmenti Gray manufacturing various types of bearings, while still focusing on Timken tapered roller bearings, driven by corporate history and pride as a specialist manufacturer. European customer demand requires that Timken consider expanding its product offering. Rulmenti Gray had the potential to manage changes to the century-old corporate culture. "Hide
by Bruce McKern, Susan McKenzie Source: Stanford Graduate School of Business 25 pages. Publication Date: January 29, 2003. Prod. #: IB39A-PDF-ENG