Corbin Pacific - Case Study

BUSINESS PLAN

CORBIN - PACIFIC

Summary

1.1 Executive Summary

Corbin Pacific, Inc. is a California based company, whose mission is to produce best motorcycle accessories in the world through innovative designing and high quality manufacturing with a customer oriented approach. Mike Corbin, Founder and President of the company started this company back in 1968 by producing motorcycle seats in his garage. Over the past three decades, the company has come a long way. It now has more than 90 % market share in the motorcycle accessories. Its product line includes motorcycle seats (also called saddles), bags, fenders and other small accessories of a motorcycle. The company has a patent on using 'integrated molding technology' to manufacture motorcycle seats.

In 1998, its annual revenue was over $ 15 million and employed 154 associates. The company has its offices and manufacturing plant in Hollister, California with a major showroom in Daytona Beach, Florida. Since its inception, Corbin-Pacific has identified product needs and designed stylish products to fill these needs. New products had fueled the growth and profitability of the company. The company is very well managed. Its employee turn over ratio is low; there are no layoffs and compensation package given to its employees is one of the best in the industry.

Company's marketing strategy is product driven. There is a lot of emphasis on mass customization. Internet is being used by the company for its marketing and online selling of its products. Company's financial position is strong. It is supporting Corbin Motors financially and is providing a base for its research and development. This business plan is based on a Case Study conducted by Harvard Business School (1999). A standard business plan outline (Berry, 2004) has been followed.

1.2 Mission

The company's mission is to produce best motorcycle accessories in the world through innovative designing and high quality manufacturing with a customer oriented approach.

1.3 Keys to Success

It is important that the company continues to produce high quality saddles and accessories for a wide range of street motorcycles, dual sports, quads and scooters. At the same time, the company's further success will depend on venturing into additional products while securing new customers.

Company Profile

2.1 Company Ownership

The company was initially established in 1968 at Gardner, Massachusetts by Mike Corbin, Founder and President of Corbin-Pacific. The company is the top motorcycle seat manufacturer in the world. In 1979, Mike moved to California and established its offices and manufacturing plant at Hollister.

2.2 Business Description

Corbin Pacific, Inc. designs, manufactures and sells motorcycle accessories for motorcyclists who want to upgrade their bikes' original factory equipment. The company has more than ninety percent market share in the US. The company has revenue of around $ 15 million and over 150 employees.

2.4 Company Locations and Facilities

The company has its offices and manufacturing plant at Hollister, California. In addition to that, it has a major showroom in Daytona Beach, Florida. Both these locations are famous for motorcycle races and are considered hub of motorcyclists' activities.

2.3 Overview of Technology and Products

Corbin-Pacific's market leadership is driven by company's skills in several areas including making molded composite (fiberglass) structures. The company has a patent on using 'integrated molding technology' to manufacture motorcycle seats. The process of molding consists of a polyester strand which is combined with fiberglass resin and formed into a polyester mold by hand. As the fiberglass is formed in the mold, metal appendages are woven into the fiberglass to provide structural support. The mold is then sent to a foam machine, closed and filled precisely with the right amount of polyurethane. The filled mold is then clamped shut and the foam rises like bread in about five minutes. The seat and the fiberglass base plate is now removed from the polyester mold and excess material is trimmed from it.

Major products of the company include motorcycle seats (also called saddles), bags, fenders and other small accessories of a motorcycle.

2.4 Future Vision

Mike Corbin, Founder and President of the company, intends operating Corbin-Pacific as the design platform for Corbin Motors. The company has a strong research and development facility available which can be utilized for this purpose.

Market and Competitive Analysis

3.1 Market Segmentation

The company's sole targets are the customers having their personal motorcycles and are desirous of upgrading saddles or other accessories. Although the margins are high when selling retail but the company understands the role of distributors who help expand the company's reach and therefore the company tries to keep a balance in the channels.

3.2 Market Analysis

Sale of motorcycles in the United States was at peak in the late seventies and early eighties. Sale of new bikes had begun increasing again in the late nineties. Sale of motorcycle accessories is directly proportionate to the sale of new bikes. 80 % of Corbin's customers are having bikes that are less than 24 months old. In 1998, there were 250,000 heavy bikes sold in US and in the same year, Corbin sold around 100,000 seats.

The market of motorcycles is though not expanding fast but it is maintaining a steady growth rate. Corbin holds over ninety percent of the market share and will continue to enjoy its leading position with no major competitor in near vicinity.

3.3 Market Pricing and Industry Analysis

New motorcycles come with seats which costs the motorcycle manufacturer about $ 20. Corbin seats and accessories cost much more with retail prices starting at about $ 300. Motorcycle manufacturers were not interested in installing costly seats which would ultimately increase the cost of motorcycle. This added to the advantage of Corbin and the customers were forced to customize Corbin seats on their motorcycles.

Similarly, motorcycle dealers were also happy to sell Corbin seats and other