Ramping Up Mask Manufacturing at 3M

Ramping Up Mask Manufacturing at 3M

March 17, 2020
Lisa M. Spencer

One of 3M’s largest manufacturing facilities, located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, has ratcheted up production to try to catch up with the growing demand for its N95 respirator masks.

Since there is no vaccine for COVID-19, the masks provide an important first line of defense in keeping medical and other emergency care employees protected while they tend to the needs of infected patients.  At the same time that demand has surged in the medical community, individual consumers have snapped up any available masks for their own personal use, despite the CDC’s claims that healthy individuals need not wear them.

Video Spotlight: 3M ramping up respirator production due to coronavirus (Feb 21, 2020, KSTP)

This post is based on the CNBC article, 3M ramps up N95 respirator production as demand surges from global coronavirus outbreak, by Seema Mody, February 28, 2020; the BBC article, Coronavirus: Sharp to use TV factory to make surgical masks, March 2, 2020; and the YouTube video featured in the Video Spotlight. Image source: Travel mania/Shutterstock.

Discussion Questions:

1. How has 3M been able to rapidly increase its capacity?

Guidance: 3M was not fully utilizing its mask production facility, so it Continue reading →

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No-Inventory Stores

No-Inventory Stores

February 29, 2020
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

Showrooms have existed for many years.  Now, however, more stores are turning to the concept of a showroom that has very little inventory—especially clothing stores.

The lack of inventory generates several advantages associated with less inventory.  In many cases, the stores are not reducing the size of the store, they are replacing the inventory with experiences.  The inventory can be replaced by personal stylists, cafes, a streamlined return desk, or office space.

The Canada Goose store in Toronto has taken the experience approach to new levels with a daily snowstorm.  Customers begin “The Journey” by walking through “The Crevasse” that simulates walking on cracking ice.  Another stop on “The Journey” is the “Gear Room.”  This room resembles a Norway seed vault.  It is where the customers select Canada Goose coats and accessories to try out in “The Cold” room.  In this room, arctic conditions are simulated, with the temperature set at 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

If “The Journey” has gone according to plan, customers will leave the store empty-handed.  But, they will be anticipating the delivery of their new Canada Goose gear.

Video Spotlight:

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Chicken for Breakfast at McDonald’s

Chicken for Breakfast at McDonald’s

February 24, 2020
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

McDonald’s wants to win breakfast.  The restaurant chain has struggled in the Chicken Sandwich War, as Chick-fil-A and Popeyes have taken market share.  McDonald’s hopes its new chicken sandwich will help, but what will really put them over the top, they believe, is chicken on the breakfast menu.

For a limited time, they’ll offer the McChicken Biscuit, and the Chicken McGriddle, for breakfast across the country.  Both breakfast sandwiches are already standard menu items in the south for McDonald’s, and have been very successful.  After the limited time, franchisees can continue offering these menu items if desired.

Part of the battle for quick service breakfast supremacy will focus on new entrants.  Wendy’s is again trying to offer breakfast.  One of its offerings is a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit.  Chick-fil-A already offers a Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit

Video Spotlight: McDonald’s adds new chicken sandwiches to morning menu – Jack Brewer joins Yahoo Finance

This post is based on the CNN article, McDonald’s Is Fighting the Breakfast War with Chicken Sandwiches, by Danielle Wiener-Bronner, January 28, 2020, and the YouTube video, McDonald’s adds new chicken sandwiches to morning menu – Jack Brewer joins Yahoo Finance Continue reading →

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