Swot Analysis For Sherwin Williams

Individual Strategic Account Plan Analysis
By: Bill James
MKT 325 Section 1
10/9/13

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………1
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..2,3
Summary of Sherwin Williams…………………………………………………………3
History…………………………………………………………………………………..3
Location…………………………………………………………………………………4,5
Mission………………………………………………………………………………….5
Markets and Products
Key People and Positions
Internal Analysis
Basic Financials and Performance Data
Five Year Sales and Profits
Market Positions
Market Share Trends
Product Mix
Reasons for Limited Performance
Strategic Orientation
How Sherwin Williams Competes, Generic Strategies
Availability of Resources
Core Competencies
Organizational
Culture and Structure
External Analysis
Markets and Customers
Products and Services Segments and Segmentation
Major Market Segments and Segmentation
Industry and Competition
Levels of Competition
Industry Dynamics and Porters Five Force’s
The Macro Environment
Technology
Government and Regulations
Economic Factors
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
SWOT Assessment
Potential Assessment
Potential Relationship
References

Introduction Key account selling and relationship management has revolutionized the way sales in defined, and plays a large role in many companies who are looking to build strong, firm partnerships with some of their clients. Throughout this strategic account plan, we will take an in depth view on one businesses success in its industry and how it competes in its market. Our team has decided to do this analysis on Sherwin Williams as the supplier firm, targeting Illinois State University as their major key account. With being one of the nation’s global leader’s in innovative paint solutions Sherwin Williams strives to uphold their superior products and services to stay ahead in the market place. They compete against many other retail stores that provide similar products and services such as: Lowes, Home Depot, Ace hardware, Menards etc. However, they are highly engaged in separating themselves by their competition by providing unique value added benefits to their clientele. As a whole, they are the leader in development, manufacture, distribution and sale of paint coatings to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers worldwide. The industry is so competitive, that they use the techniques of key account management to their benefit, in developing and maintaining these successful long-term relationships with businesses like Illinois State University. From the perspective of ISU, they are a public University that constantly strives to uphold their professional standards, especially within the College of Business. By devoting all of their resources and energies in maintaining this sense of professionalism, companies like Sherwin Williams help them achieve these goals and keep them ahead in their market place as well. Not only do their products do the job, but; it is much more than that, and that is what we will get into throughout this strategic plan. Overall, the current relationship between these two businesses is vastly growing. I definitely consider ISU targeted as a major key account for Sherwin Williams because of their long-term growth and stability as a University, and the vast amount of infrastructures that need attentive paint solutions. As a whole, the products and services, as well as customer commitment and relationship management helps Sherwin Williams maintain this valuable key account.
Summary of Sherwin Williams
History:
Since it’s founding by Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams in Cleveland, OH in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company has not only grown to be the largest producer of paints and coatings in the United States, but is among the largest producers in the world.
“By 2005 the company 's operations included over 2,600 paint stores, 139 automotive paint branches, and strong multi-brand paint franchises in architectural, industrial, and special purpose coatings. Business outside of the U.S. and Canada consisted of manufacturing operations in 5 countries and 59 licenses in 38 countries. Sales of $5.408 billion ranked Sherwin-Williams 333rd among the Fortune 500 list for largest U.S. industrial and service companies” (The Sherwin Williams Co.). They produce a large product supply for home improvement items; motor vehicle finishes, as well as industrial finishes for original equipment manufacturers of metal, plastic, and wood products. With being an American Fortune 500 company in the general building materials industry they use this creditability to their advantage. Their products also can range to small, medium, and large size corporations, as well as your every day homeowner, contractors and property or facility managers. The company operates through four major segments: Paint Stores, Consumer Groups, Latin America Coatings, and Global Finishes. They strive to provide these customized solutions for their every day customer and will do anything to make sure their customer’s needs are fully
satisfied.

Locations
One of the biggest advantages that Sherwin Williams uses to their benefit is their ability to provide their products and services conveniently to their customers. To this day, they currently have over 3,500 paint stores worldwide which is strategically important in maintaining high customer satisfaction. This statistic helps consumers realize the stability of the company and how important store location is within their business operations. Below is a map of the United States showing store locations, as well as a bar graph that helps consumers realize global growth.

After analyzing these two graphs we clearly can identify that location is vital within this businesses success as a company. They also have provided a constant growth and stabilility not only within the U.S. but globally as well on a yearly basis. Within Illinois itself, Sherwin Williams has over 100 locations including one here in Bloomington, Illinois which provides convenience to Illinois State as a major client. With the close proximity of the two businesses, this enhances the relationship and provides easy access to convene on weekly, monthly, or yearly strategic goals.
Mission
Markets and Products