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Projects

The Rowan Technology Group is engaged on many different types of projects, covering market analysis, technology analysis, and competitive intelligence for a wide range of industries and products, in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Detailed analysis of markets for surface treatment

Various projects have analyzed the market for new or expanded businesses offering surface treatment in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. These projects have involved all the detailed market and technology analysis needed for establishing a surface treatment center, including:

  • Analysis of the market - sizes of different segments, geographic locations and service requirements, market entry requirements, identification and interviewing of potential customers, customer drivers and barriers.
  • Competitor analysis - direct and indirect competitors, including technology sizes, locations, strengths, weaknesses, business and advertising methods, customer perceptions, and probable market directions.
  • Market needs and available technologies - including items to be processed, costs, turnaround, and quality issues. In one case our analysis showed that much higher cash flow and shorter time to profitability would result from adding an additional technology and a new delivery mechanism.
  • Regulatory issues - government and industry approvals, environmental rules, regulatory, tax, and import/export rules.
  • Site analysis - access to customer base, major arteries, airports, traffic conditions, travel times, market service costs.
  • Financial analysis - income projections, cash flow analysis, and investment requirements.

Investment analysis of nanomaterials companies

There is a trend among materials companies to form components or coatings from nanosized (i.e. less than 1 micron diameter) powders, and to use nanosized powders for carrying drugs, cosmetics, etc. A venture capital company wishing to invest in this growing industry hired Rowan to evaluate the technologies of companies currently in the marketplace, carry out a relative competitive evaluation, and identify the company with the most market-viable(rather than most advanced) technology.

Partnering and joint ventures

A European equipment manufacturer wishing to enter the US market had Rowan search for suitable joint venture partners. We evaluated all companies in the US and Canada fitting the client’s criteria. We then assisted the client with contacting, visiting and evaluating each potential partner on a final short list to come up with the best candidate. Rowan continues to work with both sides in putting together a joint venture relationship.

Competitive intelligence service

Our clients often need ongoing evaluation of a particular industry, to keep abreast of business opportunities and competitive changes. For example, a European firm needed competitive analysis of markets in the US for their unique manufacturing process. The company has set up a plant in the US, and Rowan continues to keep them appraised of market applications, competing technologies, industrial trends and new uses for their process. Rowan has also supplied other clients with analyses of broad industrial trends, market changes and drivers, and their regional variations.

Technologies and markets for replacing chrome plating

Companies are looking for alternatives to hard chrome plating to reduce pollution and improve performance. We are involved in a number of studies of chrome plating markets and replacement technologies. In each case, a proper understanding of the markets is only possible when combined with a good understanding of the technologies involved, the technical requirements placed on the component, production and finishing methods and costs, approval procedures, and environmental rules. Projects in this area include

  • Hard Chrome Alternatives Team (HCAT) - DoD’s primary tri-service effort to replace chrome with HVOF thermal spray in military maintenance depots and US and Canadian manufacturers (Keith Legg, RTG, technical lead; Bruce Sartwell, NRL, Program Manager).
  • Analysis of all the major chrome plating markets, viable replacement technologies, and chrome replacement market sizes in both the US and Canada
  • Analysis of expected and proposed chrome plating regulations and their probable effect on plating companies.
  • Technology analysis of replacements specifically designed for use on internals, such as the IDs of hydraulic cylinders.

New materials and coating technologies for the automotive industry

This extensive analysis for a major chemical company covered all the major automotive systems (engine, transmission, body, etc.), analyzing existing materials use, new materials being adopted, and the changes in manufacturing methods that must accompany these changes. While concentrating on coatings, the study assembled information on broad changes in automotive materials and vehicle design now penetrating the market, as well as relating marketability of new coatings to changes in regulatory rules and consumer tastes.

Technology Development

When a manufacturer needs a particular type of coating or material, Rowan analyzes the technical and cost requirements, locates a company capable of supplying the technology, and oversees the development needed to match the existing technology to the client’s specific requirements. The technology may be a process, equipment, or a combination of both. Recently Rowan identified a small company to supply a unique type of polymer coating to a major manufacturer and then worked closely with both the client and the supplier in developing the coating to meet the client’s needs.

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