W. L. Gore Case Analysis
Although the name W. L. Gore & Associates may not seem familiar to the ear, in all actuality, its products are some of the most well-known in existence. W. L. Gore is famous for its pioneering work with the polytetrafluoroethylene polymer, which lies as the backbone for many of Gore’s products, including its most famous, Gore-Tex. Founded on January 1, 1958, by the husband and wife team of Bill and Vieve Gore in the basement of their home, W. L. Gore & Associates has expanded internationally to a workforce of over 6,000 associates in 45 locations, with sales volume of over $1.84 billion last fiscal year. For thirty-five straight years the company has enjoyed profitability and constant positive return on equity, and from 1969 to 1989 had a compounded revenue growth rate of over 18 percent. Today, the company’s products can be found everywhere, including the automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, electronic, manufacturing, healthcare, military, and textile industries, with key products such as membrane vents, surgical products, aircraft sealant, outerwear garments. In addition, W. L. Gore & Associates is organized in an very unique and unusual way; there are no ‘bosses’ or set management. Instead, every member of the company is labeled as an ‘associate’ (besides Bob and Vieve Gore, who hold the titles of president and secretary-treasurer, respectively), and it is the responsibility of associates to pursue opportunities and assume responsibility. As of today, W. L. Gore has many opportunities to grasp and threats to prevent approaching in the near future. As W. L. Gore stands as the ’name-brand’ in many industries with its quality reputation and Gore-Tex line, it holds the re ...