| Tier 4
* T4 manufacture to print but they can carve out supply niches through use of advanced manufacturing equipment, this also overcomes quality issues
* Access to limited technology, overcome this with off the shelf support systems
* No investment in products, R& D, development is at customer expense
Tier 3
* Niche market operators, with high level skills but limited spread of resources
* Product and technology focussed, continuously upgrade specifications
* Have a long term view of industry and projects
Tier 2
* Develop high levels of ability and resources as this is their competitive edge
* Large scale operations, high investment in facilities, plant and machinery
* Specialised product and systems expertise, state of the art plants
* Massive marketing budgets to influence industry use
* Operate in large market areas with extensive distribution systems
Tier 1
* These companies control industry development and direction,
* Look for the restricted industry associations that ensure these companies operate in unison.
* Tier 1 companies focus on their operations, ensuring their alliances fulfil their project needs |