Structure & Strategies of W.L. Gore

W.L. Gore & Associates has enjoyed a great level of success as a closely held, employee-owned corporation. The company's unique structure and strategies based on individual accomplishment have helped it to reach a position as a leader in a diverse group of industries. The bullworth of the company is its Fabrics division. Best know for its GorTex fabric used in consumer products, the division also holds lucrative government contracts with agencies such as NASA. The unique qualities of GorTex, and the dedication of the company to standing behind the quality of its product has earned Gore a leadership position in almost every industry in which it is involved. Thus, the Fabrics division has been, and will continue to be the key business area of the company.

The loss of the core patent on GorTex and changing trends on the consumer side of the fabrics business has posed challenges for the Fabrics division and will continue to do so in the future. The structural and control mechanisms currently in place are sufficient to meet these challenges, however two main strategical changes may be in order. First, the company should consider moving into the development of a consumer product line using its unique fabrics. Also, an R&D group should be introduced into the Fabrics division in order to effectively compete in the imminent race to develop new uses and processes for GorTex-like fabrics. The company's current

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versification of the company has been a large part of its success, the company is most known for its GorTex fabric. From its licensed producers of consumer products in which GorTex is used, to lucrative contracts with the United States Government , the Fabrics division is the bullworth of the company. The reputation of GorTex quality and the company's reputation for standing behind its product have helped to open doors in areas of new development. In addition, the Fabrics division is well established, with little need for totally new product development. Rather, derivations on, and new uses for, the well known fabric are the main drive of that division. In that sense, expenses are relatively low and profit margins are relatively high. Thus, despite Gore's desire for the company to be associated with its diverse line of products, it is the Fabrics division which will continue to drive the company. Despite Gore's strong position in the active wear market, the expiration of its core product patent has posed the threat of increased competition in the industry. New patents on derivations of the material and on new uses for the material have helped to protect Gore's position in the industry. Nonetheless, weather proof materi
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 3343
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page)

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