Creating customer value : A case study at Stilexo

Abstract: The competition between organizations has become tougher due to the globalization of the market place. This case study has been conducted at Stilexo, which are situated in Skillingaryd. Stilexo is an aluminum die caster and is a part of the Alteams group. Within the Swedish market approximately half of the casted products used are imported and this is a trend that seems to be increasing. In order to stay competitive next to the foreign suppliers the Swedish manufactures needs to differentiate, the question is how? In order to find the answer to the question Thomke and Hippel (2002) argues that the suppliers must listen to their customer with the intention of finding the needs and wants of the customers. The purpose of this thesis is to interpret how Stilexo can create higher customer value. This thesis has been written with an interpretivistiv research position combined with an inductive approach. The research strategy used is a single case study strategy. A qualitative approach has been used with in-depth interviews of employees at Stilexo and of existing/potential customers to them. Price, quality and the ability to deliver on time are parameters that have to be fulfilled in order for a supplier to be qualified. If these parameters are reached there are other values that can make a supplier an order winner. The main finding is that the relationship between the supplier and the customer is very vital. A higher interaction between the two parties has the potential of increasing the customer value. Co-creation of new products is something that is mentioned as value adding that can be gained from higher interaction. Further on innovativeness, flexibility, technology, and that the supplier can handle the whole supply chain has also been identified as value adding activities.