An international maker of branded brooms, mops and sponges set aggressive cost targets ahead of an expected hard year.

Business was growing toward record profits, but the industry expected a difficult year ahead. Management wanted lower direct and indirect spend and a better sourcing process.

• Grouped spend into categories, agreed priorities and built a strategy for each
• Targeted transport, display cartons, banderole and flexible packaging first
• Cleansed vendor data, qualified new suppliers, ran bids and negotiated contracts with a transition plan

The client next turned to steel, plastic, cotton and sponges.