case study timbuk 2

only two days. How does Timbuk2 do this? This San Francisco-based company is known for produe ing high-quality custom and classic messenger bags. It has a team of approximately 25 hardworking cutters and sewers in its San Francisco plant. Over the years, it has fine-tuned its After researching a doren factories in China, Timbuk2 found one that it thinks is up to the task of producing these new bags. Much as in San Francisco, the China factory employs a team of hardworking craftspeople who earn good wages and an honest living. Timbuk2 visits the China factory every four to eight weeks to ensure superior quality standards and work in conditions On the Timbuk2 Web site, the company argues that its team members are the same hardworking group of bag fanat- ies as before, designing and making great bags and supporting the local community and an increasingly competitive global market. The company reports that demand is still strong for the custom messenger bags made in San Francisco and that the new laptop bags sourced from China are receiving rave reviews. The additional business is allowing the company to hire more people in all departments at its San Francisco headquarters--creating even more jobs locally. Questions 1. Consider the two categories of products that Timbuk2 makes and sells. For the custom messenger bag, what key competitive dimensions are driving sales? Are the company's competitive priorities different for the new laptop bags sourced in China? 2. Compare the assembly line in China to that in San Francisco along the following dimensions: (1) volume or rate of production, (2) required skill of the workers, (3) level of automation, and (4) amount of raw materi- als and finished goods inventory. 3. Draw two diagrams, one depicting the supply chain for those products sourced in China and the other depict- ing the bags produced in San Francisco. Show all the major steps, including raw material, manufacturing, finished goods, distribution inventory, and transporta- tion. Other than manufacturing cost, what other costs should Timbuk2 consider when making the sourcing decision? Mon Jan 25, 2021 at 12:33 pm