Window Manufacturer
Hurricane-Resistant Window Manufacturer Weathers the Storm, Restructures Business for Profit
About Shwinco Industries
Since 1989, Shwinco Industries has been manufacturing custom vinyl windows and doors with the unique demands of coastal living in mind. Originally located in Panama City, Fla., owners Craig and Margie Shipp have seen their fair share of extreme weather – from hurricanes and tornados to searing heat and salt air – and have created window and doors able to withstand the wind-forces generated by the strongest category five hurricanes. With such innovation and quality, the company experienced tremendous growth and in 2007 expanded its manufacturing facilities with a new plant in Dothan, Ala.
The Challenge
As business surged, Shwinco continued to enhance the product line, creating the only vinyl products ever to be rated from residential through heavy commercial and even bomb blast applications, as well as green code approved. But with the focus on product development, Shwinco lost sight of the big picture – running the business, including customer service. The Shipps had a great product, but didn’t know what to do with it. Shwinco also lacked necessary controls to maintain profits. It had over $1 million in accounts payable, yet no method to measure earnings or expenses.
The George S. May Solution
Working with the consultants from George S. May, Craig and Margie Shipp reorganized the company’s structure, putting in guidelines and strategies to address operations and management, including:
- Created accounting practices and controls to budget more efficiently and account for all transactions
- Launched a collection process to reduce accounts payable, which made credit and financing more available
- Implemented a comprehensive marketing plan, including a direct mail campaign, presences at trade shows, and Web site enhancements, among other tactics
- Developed a campaign to target different audiences, including architects and military contracts
- Restructured responsibilities to improve accountability from all employees
- Put in place guidelines to manage employee efficiency in real time
- Created a national sales force with commission-based salespeople
The Benefits
- Cost savings of more than $500,000
- Increased revenue of more than $2 million
- Improved organizational structure, making employees more accountable, while allowing continued product development and existing product enhancement
- Improved collections process and decreased accounts payable
- Trained managers on accounting practices
- More effective staff meetings
