SEWNews February 2012

Financial Restructuring in Southeastern Pennsylvania

A medical contract manufacturer in Southeastern Pennsylvania contacted SEWN for assistance with restructuring its finances. The company lost one of its major customers to a natural disaster. A second customer is steadily decreasing its order due to off-shore market issues. SEWN provided the company with a cash-flow analysis and financial forecasting model. Additionally, SEWN assisted the company in introducing a new domestic market penetration strategy.


Operational Restructuring in Northeastern Pennsylvania

A Northeastern Pennsylvania manufacturer of insulation products and other building materials requested SEWN's collaboration on a company-wide restructuring. The Manufacturer's Resource Center developed a succession plan and suggested several improvements to the company's sales and marketing strategies. SEWN provided a detailed financial analysis to the company, and offered operations recommendations tailored to improve the company's bottom line.


Financial Restructuring in Central Pennsylvania

A Central Pennsylvania manufacturer of finished and unfinished wood furniture faced liquidation when it contacted SEWN. Its bank had moved it into work-out, and its vendors required COD shipments. SEWN met with the management team to conduct a business resource review, and compiled a new business model. SEWN prepared a financial forecasting model for the company, which it used to successfully negotiate a forbearance agreement with its bank. SEWN, the Governor's Action Team, and the SEDA Council of Governments worked on a complete restructuring package.


Sales and Marketing in Western Pennsylvania

A Western Pennsylvania manufacturer of foam seats and bolsters contacted SEWN to stabilize and restructure the company. A very serious health problem left the owner unable to manage the daily operations of this company, opening the door for competitors to seize its market share. SEWN restructured the company's balance sheet and cut costs to achieve a cash-flow neutral position. Concurrent with these efforts, SEWN assisted with sales and marketing efforts, including several joint ventures. The company partnered with one of its raw material suppliers and with a neighboring firm that shared certain manufacturing processing needs.

Since its inception in 1993, The Strategic Early Warning Network has contributed to the retention and revival of more than 700 industrial enterprises within Pennsylvania, impacting more than 18,000 jobs. SEWN assists manufacturers throughout the state who are struggling to grow or improve the competitiveness of their business. SEWN provides professional and confidential turnaround, financial, and investment services to small- and middle-market firms employing 25-500 workers through the following core services: Financial Restructuring, Operational Restructuring and Cost Management, Ownership Transition and Buyouts, High Performance Workplaces, and New Market Opportunities. All of SEWN’s services are provided free of charge, and all information provided is handled in strict confidence. For additional information, please contact your local SEWN office.

The Strategic Early Warning Network is a program of the Steel Valley Authority in partnership with the PA Department of Labor and Industry.