The Context Group was asked by Outer Banks, a major supplier of knit shirts, to identify its position in the market and to make recommendations regarding ways to grow the business. The company has greatly increased its share of its traditional markets while also making significant progress in identifying and taking advantage of new market opportunities.

The Context Group was asked to assess the outlook for the Crescent Woolen Mills' traditional products (primarily woolen yarns) and to identify growth opportunities for the firm. The Context Group successfully pinpointed specific customers with which to grow and outlined a relatively simple (and cost-efficient) plan of action to take advantage of these opportunities.

The Context Group assisted Carriage Industries, a Dixie group company, in developing and improving its systems and processes for forecasting, production planning and inventory management. The company improved inventory turns dramatically to over 6 turns, and reduced inventory investment by over $13 million. As part of Dixie's strategy to exit from the textile business The Context Group advised and assisted in the successful sale of the Caroknit fabric business to Spartan Mills.

Richelieu Knitting (Canada)
The Context Group performed a manufacturing diagnostic of the operations of Richelieu Knitting, a knit wear company. The study showed improvement opportunities that, if successfully implemented, would yield annual savings in the range of $2.0 million. This implementation is currently under way.

Botree International (Mauritius) The Context Group assisted Botree International in evaluating the market potential of a new apparel production control system that they had developed for use in India and the southern countries of Africa. They believed that the new system offered significantly superior capabilities, but were unsure about how to penetrate the North American market. The Context Group's recommendation to identify and link with a marketing partner is underway.

"Our previous consultants always
recommended further studies. Your team addressed the problem and provided the solution without the need for additional consulting projects.
 -Division President, Yarn Spinner

"Your ability to relate to our people on the
floor and gain their confidence was a real plus."-President, Sportswear Company

"On time...Under budget...Great Job!"
 -VP International, Branded Menswear

"You designed and implemented an integrated production planning and scheduling system in only 3 months Why didn't we call you sooner?"  -Owner, Childrenswear Company

"Since we sure as hell couldn't outspend our
competitiors, we're especially thankful you showed us how to outsmart 'em"
  -Division President, Athletic Footwear

"Thanks to your help, we're now moving solidly into the black!"
 -Chairman, Activewear Marketer

The Context Group assisted Keystone Industries, a Canadian jeans wear producer, in designing a new distribution center to allow the company to achieve doubling their volume over three years.

Conceptually, the project included the implementation of new storage and picking techniques. Following a successful installation, turns levels increased 50% with reduced staffing.

The Context Group assisted Sara Lee Canada in completing a distribution strategy initiative. Because of rapid changes in the organization and resulting increased unit volumes, total inventory levels had increased to unacceptable levels. By rationalizing the capacities of five warehouses, productivity levels increased significantly and overall turn levels increased more than 20%.

The Context Group conducted a due diligence for American Industrial Partners, an investment group based in California, of a major Canadian textile company. The due diligence included assessments of globally based operations and logistics. The evaluation was positive, and AIP provided financing to the Canadian company.