Perhaps the ultimate Performance Consulting challenge.

Take a Joint Venture spin-off from the mighty Ford, mix in the cultural challenge of the highly efficient German Getrag organisation and combine it with the hard-edged, tough industrial relations environment of a gearbox plant in Halewood, Liverpool. Then persuade, coax or cajole this diverse and yet exciting mix of humans to work together to deliver a 25% increase in production efficiency.

The first step was perhaps the most difficult - Establish trust.
In short, enable the rich mix of cultural difference to unite around a single, common commercial objective. We knew it would difficult to achieve and yet not beyond their reach to realise a win-win vision.

The second step was to get 'buy in'
To create wide ownership of the objective and engender leadership at every level.

The third and most exacting objective - roll out
Enabling conformance of operating style in every pocket of the organisation.

We’re pleased, and somewhat hot and sweaty to report, that after 18 months hard work, the numbers speak for themselves. 32% increase in gearbox production. 7.5% cost reduction against targeted 3%. And perhaps just as important – Getrag Ford won 'Best Engineering Plant 2005.' They were also nominated for the People Management, Innovation and the Health, Safety & Environment awards.