NMW 2002: Deloitte Research names top 100 in manufacturing

Chicago, Ill. - In the "Global Manufacturing 100" the top performing companies are Dell Computer Corp. (U.S.-based, computer hardware), Oracle Corp. (U.S.-based, computer software), Nokia Oyj (Finland-based, telecommunications equipment), Anglo American Platinum (South Africa-based, precious metal mining), and Coca-Cola Co. (U.S.-based, beverages/non-alcoholic), according to Deloitte Research (New York, N.Y. www.dc.com) and Holt Value Associates (now CSFB Holt, Chicago, Ill.).

By Control Engineering Staff March 22, 2002

Chicago, Ill. – In the ‘Global Manufacturing 100’ the top performing companies are Dell Computer Corp. (U.S.-based, computer hardware), Oracle Corp. (U.S.-based, computer software), Nokia Oyj (Finland-based, telecommunications equipment), Anglo American Platinum (South Africa-based, precious metal mining), and Coca-Cola Co. (U.S.-based, beverages/non-alcoholic), according to Deloitte Research (New York, N.Y. www.dc.com ) and Holt Value Associates (now CSFB Holt, Chicago, Ill.). Parameters for selection include revenue, costs, working capital, and assets, among others. The study was discussed in several sessions at National Manufacturing Week, which includes the Industrial Automation Show, here March 18-21.

Microsoft ranked number 12; General Electric, 20; Intel Corp., 23; Johnson & Johnson, 25; Eli Lilly & Co., 30; Campbell Soup, 32; Procter & Gamble, 33; Ralston Purina Co., 36; General Mills, 41; Unilever, 42; Abbott Laboratories, 46; Cisco Systems, 49; and Analog Devices, 50. The report segments by industry and region, as well. The analysis is part of the wider study of 1,000 companies.

The report advises to avoid taking the best guess and moving toward ‘strategic flexibility,’ by developing possible futures or scenarios, ‘bound to the relevant dimensions of uncertainty, such as customer demand, technological advancements, or regulatory changes,’ according to the Deloitte Research report.

As for infrastructure and technology investments, ‘Most companies can benefit greatly like Colgate-Palmolive (number 7) and Amgen (number 9). by focusing on core strategies that leverage existing infrastructure, increasing operational efficiencies, and creating a platform for future strategic options and investments.’ The goal is to ‘create a range of valuable decision options that can enhance.bottom lines in good times and in bad.’

Guiding principles to better performance, says Doug Engel, national managing director of Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Manufacturing Industry Practice, are:

  • Customer relationship management;

  • Product strategy;

  • Supply chain management;

  • Human resources management (creative thinking can help to reduce layoffs); and

  • Business infrastructure.

The name of the accompanying study is ‘Performance Amid Uncertainty: A Global Manufacturing Perspective.’

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief
mhoske@cahners.com