Structure and Strategies of W.L. Gore & Associates
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 structure is well suited to these changes. Thus, with their implementation, Gore will be prepared to meet future challenges facing its key business.
The strategy implemented at W.L. Gore & Associates on a corporate level is one of individual responsibility and expansion through small, close-knit facilities. Individual responsibility is stressed in every aspect of operations. From hiring to implementation of new projects, no action is taken until one or more indivi...