CLIENT: Oster-Division of Jarden Consumer Solutions // PRODUCT: Equine Series Grooming Products
D-TERRA SERVICES: Research, Engineering Development leading to Manufacturing
THE OPPORTUNITY
Oster Professional Products is a division of Jarden Consumer Solutions and the market leader in grooming products for animals. To reinforce their leadership position and competitive advantage, Oster engaged D-Terra to help advance dynamic new ideas into commercial reality. Oster saw an opportunity to expand its reach by producing the first comprehensive portfolio of animal grooming tools. When Oster wanted to expand its product line, they asked D-Terra to help them determine what should come next.
THE SOLUTION
We don’t horse around. Knowing that research was key, we considered all logical brand extensions, and realized that large animal grooming tools made sense. Next we visited tack shops and stables, and interviewed groomers and horse owners. We quickly learned that the brush currently available didn’t begin to satisfy owners’ needs to provide their horses with the best.
With the hurdles cleared, we helped Oster create a complete set of high quality, ergonomically designed tools, and get them to market, fast.
THE STRATEGY
D-Terra’s Product Commercialization Strategy:
- Product Development, Engineering and Contract Manufacturing to allow Oster to concentrate on core competencies
- Incorporate supplier feedback into the design to speed product delivery
- Adapt to design changes and changing supply chain dynamics
- Manage Product Life Cycle including new product introductions and cost reduction
THE RESULT
- Oster became the market leader in traditional grooming tools as well as clippers and electromechanical appliances
- 11 SKU’s launched into mass production within 6 months of final design
- A decade of near perfect quality (< 0.0001% field defects) and 100% on-time delivery performance
- Favorable cost position despite material, labor and currency cost increases
- TCO evolved to remain consistent with Oster’s needs to sustain effectiveness and optimize efficiency