Situation
A Biotech company specializing in injection and molded plastics manufacturing and assembly was faced with a significant challenge in response to global tariff changes, exposing major data and compliance gaps. With no centralized master data on materials (origin, weights, volumes) it was difficult to:
- Assess the financial impact of changing tariffs
- Ensure regulatory compliance where the product was both manufactured and sold
- Make informed decisions about risk mitigation, supplier sourcing, logistics, and product cost structure
- Mitigate costs and preserve customer pricing integrity
In need of expert guidance, MetaExpert Robert stepped in as Interim Head of Sourcing and Supply to lead the company through a strategic operational transformation that would ensure continuity, cost-effectiveness, and compliance in a cross-border supply chain transfer under tight timelines and regulatory pressure.
Actions
In order to address the Biotech company’s significant challenges, MetaExpert Robert implemented a structured, hands-on, and cross-functional approach. He began the biotech company’s supply chain transformation by “walking the walls,” conducting on-site supplier audits to fill critical data and information gaps as well as ensure compliance with regulatory agencies.
Robert documented the entire process from assembly to quality checks in order to manage the spin up a new facility in Mexico, mitigating rising tariffs on the company’s current Chinese-made products.
Results
Relying heavily on a cross-functional approach, MetaExpert Robert was able to successfully transfer the supply chain to it’s new facility in Mexico with an implementation cost of $250,000 including tooling transfer, validation, and setup.
Return on Investment
MetaExpert Robert’s decision to lead the biotech company’s supply chain transformation with a location change paid off. Annual cost savings come in at $630,000 per year due to lower unit costs and tariff avoidance. Customers were happy with better fulfillment and lower costs for delivered products.
Conclusion
In response to tariff-driven cost pressure and regulatory risks, MetaExpert Robert led the successful transfer of the biotech company’s manufacturing from China to Mexico. By conducting supplier audits, meticulously documenting processes, and working hand-in-hand with cross-functional experts, Robert achieved noteworthy cost savings and strengthened customer relationships.
Project Details
Contract Length: 12 months, extened for an additional 6 months
MetaExpert Skills Needed:
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Manufacturing and QA Knowledge
- Regulatory, Tariff, and Customs Insight