Enhancing Global Competitiveness Today: Firms Partner to Win in the New Global Economy

OAK BROOK, IL (PRWEB) May 10, 2006

In the April 20, 2006 issue of Purchasing Magazine, you will find a very interesting story about the transformation underway at FMC Technologies (“FMC”), a $3.2 billion global corporation headquartered in Houston. FMC partnered with The Mpower Group (“TMG”) to help them design and execute a transformational journey that would take them from a mostly tactical purchasing organization to a truly strategic supply organization. FMC did this as it concluded that sourcing direct and indirect purchases and supply chain optimization are critical to maintaining their competitiveness in global markets. FMC, therefore, wanted to make sourcing and supply chain optimization core competencies of their firm.

While FMC has partnered with TMG many times on many different initiatives, TMG was chosen for this initiative because of its extensive experience in helping clients build world class strategic sourcing and supply chain organizations. Specifically, TMG was asked to deploy its proprietary and ground breaking Maturity Model to help assess where FMC stood today. TMG then developed an extensive competency model across 11 domains. These domains were identified as being critical in leading the FMC sourcing and supply chain organization to a more significant and strategic role. A comprehensive curriculum was developed for these different levels within the FMC organization and is currently being deployed globally today. Initial feedback on this effort has been extremely positive with the success of many significant initiatives being credited to the extensive training.

By providing the training, "I'm looking to set a standard for a higher level of performance," says Randall Ellis, CIO and Chief Procurement Officer. He's also working towards more consistency in procurement practices and processes across the company's 32 manufacturing sites in 17 countries.

FMC has already started realizing a number of tangible benefits:

•     Higher level of savings on categories by as much as 10% - 15%
•     Accelerated benefits from sourcing by reducing the process by 3 – 4 weeks
•     Higher sourcing employee morale
•     A more strategic and visible role for the sourcing organization
•     Stronger alignment between sourcing and the rest of FMC

Susan Avery, Senior Editor, Purchasing Magazine noted;

“In our conversations, Randy Ellis, CIO and Chief Procurement Officer and others at FMC Technologies have spoken highly of The Mpower Group, the people who work for the company and the training and other services they provide.

TMG’s approach is more advanced than those of other sourcing and supply chain consultancies. TMG integrates change management and consulting skills into the core sourcing and supply chain processes. TMG pioneered this approach as it is the most effective way for strategic sourcing and supply chain organizations to transform (not just tune) themselves.

Dalip Raheja, President and CEO of TMG added: “Any consulting company should measure its’ success by the success of its’ clients. We are therefore extremely thankful and proud to have FMC as a client because their success will continue to define ours. Their entire sourcing organization has embraced the strategic direction laid out by Randy Ellis and the leadership team and we look forward to our long and successful relationship”

The full article can be accessed at http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6324671.html

About The Mpower Group:

The Mpower Group (“TMG”), a certified minority supplier, services Fortune 500 organizations globally, solving complex issues related to their supply chain and strategic sourcing operations including outsourcing and off shoring. TMG emphasizes world-class business practices related to strategy, process and technology that truly drive superior financial results for their clients. Dalip Raheja, the firm’s President and CEO, is nationally recognized for his thought-leadership and advanced strategic concepts in the area of strategic sourcing and supply chain management.

About FMC Technologies:

FMC Technologies, Inc. is a global leader providing mission-critical technology solutions for the energy, food processing and air transportation industries. FMC Technologies designs, manufactures and services technologically sophisticated systems and products for its customers through its Energy Systems, Food Processing and Airport Equipment and Services businesses. Our businesses provide a broad range of products and services that create solutions for customers worldwide and generate $3.2 billion in revenues. FMC Technologies employs approximately 10,000 people at 32 manufacturing facilities in 17 countries.

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