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Would you go on a Blind Date with a Contract Manufacturer?

March 16, 2017
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According to a report, 25% of newlyweds met via a blind date1. As successful as this risky proposition appears to be, it’s not recommended for business deals. In the dating world, the consequences for an unsuccessful match are low, and if it’s a train wreck you’ve always got a good story to tell. However, humorous anecdotes tend to lose their appeal when substantial amounts of money, time and product are on the line. Potential business partners must be vetted properly before tying the knot.

The importance of engaging in a comprehensive due diligence process when entering into a business contract or long-term agreement cannot be understated. Although the process is frequently tedious, labor intensive, and costly it is necessary to avoid surprises after a deal is struck. An all-encompassing procedure aids in determining the viability of a deal, negotiating terms and perhaps most importantly sustained success.

Sparton’s white paper Should YOU Manufacture Your Product? 6 Key Factors in the Make vs. Buy Decision examines the key questions one should ask a potential contract manufacturing partner.

Samples of these include:

  • Do you have a best-in-class production system in place?
  • Do you have quality management systems in place?
  • What’s your inventory management process?

The document offers a complete list of questions along with details that explain why these questions are important. It also provides an analysis for evaluating the responses that you will potentially receive.

Once you’ve gotten satisfactory answers to these question and you’ve entered into a partnership it’s vital that the due diligence process doesn’t stop there. According to the Pharmaceutical Compliance Monitor “after you select a contract manufacturer you should be proactive in conducting ongoing assessments of manufacturing quality. This includes initial oversight of manufacturing processes, frequent site visits and reviews of quality test data and quality records. All this is required to assure your products are manufactured to your expectations.”

Does your organization have a well-defined process for vetting potential suppliers? What types of questions are crucial in your company’s procedures?  Do you have a story of improperly scrutinizing a vendor before signing a contract? Leave them in the comment section below.

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Should YOU Manufacture Your Product? 6 Key Factors in the Make vs. Buy Decision

1 Cummings, Faith. “You’ll Never Guess How Many Married Couples Actually Met on a Blind Date.” Brides.com. October 16, 2014.
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December 9, 2021

Sparton’s Bill Toti Retires; Tracy Howard Tapped as Company’s Next President & CEO

Sparton’s Bill Toti Retires; Tracy Howard Tapped as Company’s Next President & CEO DE LEON SPRINGS, FLORIDA – DEC. 9, 2021 – Sparton President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Toti has retired after leading the company for three years, including through the company’s transition to Elbit Systems of America during 2021. Tracy Howard is Sparton’s new President & CEO effective Dec. 8, 2021. Mr. Howard joins Sparton following his leadership of Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business as Senior Vice President and General Manager since 2020. “We congratulate Bill on his retirement, and thank him for his commitment to help ensure Tracy enjoys a seamless transition into his new position,” said Raanan Horowitz, President and CEO of Elbit Systems of America. “Under Bill’s strong leadership, Sparton has achieved great things, and is poised for an exciting future of growth, as the leading provider of undersea warfare solutions.” Mr. Howard is a retired United States Navy Submarine Officer, with more than 30 years of military and defense industry experience. Prior to Leonardo DRS, Mr. Howard held multiple senior leadership roles at L3 Harris and General Dynamics Mission Systems business areas. A 1986 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Mr. Howard is also the former Commanding Officer of nuclear-powered attack submarine USS SALT LAKE CITY (SSN 716), and former Commodore of Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN, where he commanded all of the U.S. Navy’s East Coast guided missile and ballistic missile submarines. His other military assignments included: serving as the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Director of Submarine Tactical Systems Integration and Future Capabilities for the Undersea Warfare Systems Directorate (N97); Eastern Europe and Eurasia Division Chief for the Joint Staff; and Homeland and National Security Advisor to the Vice President. “Tracy has deep roots in Sparton’s customer community, and he brings a proven record of success, leading high-performing teams and achieving high-growth goals in the technology field,” said Ken Krieg, Sparton Chairman of the Board. “We are honored to have Tracy join the Elbit America team, and excited about what Sparton will accomplish under his leadership.” With more than a 120-year history and decades of defense experience spanning from World War I, Sparton has become the partner of choice for domestic and international defense applications. As a pure-play defense supplier, Sparton focuses exclusively on providing best-in-class, innovative solutions and executing on strategic opportunities to build upon its market leadership. Read More