Case Studies by Industry:
Building Materials and Construction

• In 2005 Fry published an ongoing multi-client study of the North American vinyl window and patio door industry. This study was based on input from over 200 industry respondents, and provides detailed information regarding industry consolidation, Asian extruder threat, window and patio door unit sales forecast to 2009, industry trends and other market information.
  
  
• Fry completed a major marketing research and market strategy project for a nationwide volume homebuilder in the U.S. Based on our comprehensive field research, statistical analysis, and strategic theory, this company refocused its entire marketing effort.
  
  
• Fry facilitated a successful strategic alliance between a major commercial construction firm and a technical consulting firm. This involved the delicate fitting of two diverse and distinctly different corporate cultures. The alliance resulted in the development of an innovative approach to facilities management and outsourcing.
  
  
• Fry improved the relationship between a majority owned commercial construction firm and a minority owned commercial construction firm by facilitating and mediating a strategic alliance between the two firms. This project entailed strategic planning and ethnic diversity training. The result is a new model for cooperation between majority and minority firms and a plan for accelerated growth for the alliance.
   
• For one of the largest wood window manufacturers and marketers, we completed a major distribution opportunity study. The target market was the "big box" retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as lumber yards. The project entailed market research, including personal interviews with retailers and customer/vendor satisfaction surveys. Using many of our recommendations, the client is aggressively pursuing both the large retailer and lumber yard markets.
   
• For an important foreign construction products producer and marketer, Fry conducted a U.S. market opportunity study for fiber cement. The study was designed to define the market, determine overall potential, assess the competitive situation, analyze user satisfaction, and identify any raw material constraints. To date, this client has not entered the U.S. market due to a combination of study findings and changing internal strategic objectives.
  
  
• For a global building products retailer, we conducted a regional marketing opportunity and strategy study designed to identify and evaluate new product/service opportunities. The client is pursuing these opportunities via acquisition and diversification.