Micotron has developed a brand new business model The plastic sub-supplier Micotron has developed a brand new business model where the sub-supplier helps his customers with advice and actual outsourcing of jobs to Asian sub-suppliers. This is an example of business innovation with a sub-supplier who turns the global threat into a business advantage. Micotron has implemented the first jobs successfully and expects a growth in turnover of 100 % in the course of the next three years. “If you can’t beat them, join them!” This is more or less the model chosen by the injection moulding company, Micotron, from the southern part of Jutland in response to the increasing competition from the low-price goods from Asian plastic companies. After a great accounting year 2005/2006, Micotron faced a fall in sales in 2006 which was reflected on the bottom line. Micotron delivers injection moulded blanks for a number of different purposes – but the company also delivers tools without blanks production. Plastic suppliers from China and other parts of Asia offer increasing competition both regarding plastic tools and the production of plastic blanks, and a company such as Micotron cannot remain competitive as far as prices are concerned. New innovation strategy Therefore, there was a need for path-breaking and innovation. This need arose at the same time as the trade association Plastindustrien had established cooperation with Valcon Innovation about the development of an innovation benchmark and new innovation tools for the member companies of Plastindustrien. Micotron became one of three case businesses in the pilot project. The result of the innovation process at Micotron was a new innovation strategy with the following main elements: FACTS ON MICOTRON Micotron delivers injection moulded plastic blanks for a number of different purposes – but the company also delivers tools without blanks production. The expertise is within large blanks from 4 to 11 kg made by machines with closing power from 45 up to 1250 tonnes. Micotron is able to handle both small and large series and delivers both “pure” injection moulded blanks and complete and pre-packed products directly to the customers’ customers. The injection moulding technology is adjusted for each individual job – just as the choice of production site (Malaysia or Denmark). Micotron has customers within a large number of industries: telecommunication, design, lighting, technical aid, etc. The business was founded in 1961, is situated at Ragebøl at Søndeborg and has about 45 employees.
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