We are expert strategic advisors to the Food & Beverage industries, improving profitability and cash

flow, protecting owners’ equity, and saving jobs.

2011 Winners of the “Turnaround of the Year” and the “Industrial Manufacturing / Distribution Deal of the Year” for our work with a Michigan-Based Food Processor.

248.593.4810 Detroit 616.233.8080 Grand Rapids312.929.3131 Chicago404.467.8515 Atlanta

www.okeefeandassociates.com

Award Winning Strategic Advisory Services

Business and Product Strategy:Complete business plans, geographic expansion, expand distribution channels, pricing, new market opportunities, branding.

Operational Efficiencies:Process improvement, lean manufacturing techniques, cost reductions.

Procurement Strategy:Improve supply quality and reliability, manage commodity risk.

Manage Stakeholder Relations:Negotiations with lenders, suppliers, trade creditors.

Inventory Management:Improve controls, optimize logistics, reduce inventory levels and related costs, maximize working capital.

Regulatory Issues:Food safety (HACCP, BRC, SQF), international labeling laws, PACA requirements.

AGRICULTURE • PROCESSING • DISTRIBUTION • RETAIL

248.593.4810 Detroit 616.233.8080 Grand Rapids312.929.3131 Chicago404.467.8515 Atlanta

www.okeefeandassociates.com

Product Strategy • Complete business strategy and related plans including business closure, new product investment and geographic expansion.

• Management wanted to make a large investment to increase production capacity. We implemented lean manufacturing techniques to increase capacity.

by 60 days with no additional capital investment.• Assisted a growing regional branded food products company select its key

manufacturing and distribution plant, and assisted company in relocating into this facility.

Operational Efficiencies• Performed a merger integration for a $40 million food packager reducing 3

facilities into one. This effort saved the Company $750K annually.• Created distribution facility layout map with product mapping for optimal speed

and efficiency.• Implemented lean manufacturing techniques that reduced equipment downtime

by 60%, increased dryer utilization by 11%, adding 39 days of annual production capacity. Also, improved demand planning and production scheduling. Combined improvements contributed approximately $1 million to gross profit.

Procurement Strategy• Implemented a Supplier Certification Program that improved supplier quality.

• Implemented a commodity pricing strategy to tie future raw material price index to long-term contract pricing.

Manage Stakeholder Relations• Procured debt refinancings and equity capital for food companies in various

stages of growth cycle.

Inventory Management• Strategically identified excessive specialized products and speculative inventory

stock. Developed orderly disposition strategy to secure highest prices and generate necessary working capital.

Regulatory Issues• Experienced in quantifying and addressing PACA related issues, GMO and Non-

GMO requirements, international labeling laws, and overseas shipping requirements to the European Union, Asia, India, and other foreign territories.

Related Experience: