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Conduct a Manufacturing or Fabrication Location Analysis

Last Updated: 04/28/2026

Case Organization

GLANCE LED

https://www.glance-led.com

2124 Hollywood Blvd

Case Contributors

Zach Ladonis

in/zach-ladonis-769b34117

I am currently an investor with Lockheed Martin Ventures - the VC arm of Lockheed Martin. My focus in on the semiconductor, manufacturing, and propulsion industries. Previous to this role, I was an aerodynamics engineer for the corporation conducting systems integration activities and new platform designs. My educational experience in these roles stem from an undergraduate degree from Penn State and 2 masters degrees from the University of Florida. In my "spare time" I like to be outdoors and moving - playing sports, hiking, working out, etc.

Case Disciplines

Growth Strategy Operations Operations Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Skills & Expertise

Business Project Management Financial Management/CFO Management Consulting Qualitative Research Quantitative Research Supply Chain & Logistics Project Management Web Conferencing

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Background & Objective

The challenge or opportunity you are trying to address for the organization.

GLANCE is a led ticker designed to show you your data how you want it. Due to the company's growth and high product demand, Glance is looking for a new contract manufacturer partner capable of high-quantity electronics manufacturing with a designed PCB board. Help the management team find the proper manufacturer, so the company can continue expanding. About GLANCE: “Our team first met in undergrad and has since worked together as engineers and consultants in the tech space.
Learning Objectives

This is what students will learn as they complete the case.

As hardware startups scale production, selecting the right manufacturing partner and location becomes a critical strategic decision that impacts cost, quality, speed, and long-term growth. In this case, students act as operations and supply chain consultants to help GLANCE identify and evaluate contract manufacturing partners for its PCB-based LED product. By combining location analysis, cost modeling, and operational strategy, students will develop a data-driven recommendation that supports efficient, scalable production. 
Students completing this case will be able to: 
  • Analyze the operational requirements of electronics manufacturing, including PCB fabrication, assembly capabilities, and production scalability. 
  • Evaluate potential contract manufacturers based on cost structure, production capacity, lead times, and product quality standards. 
  • Assess how geographic factors—such as logistics, labor availability, regulatory environment, and infrastructure—impact manufacturing efficiency and cost. 
  • Compare multiple manufacturing locations and partners using a structured evaluation framework that incorporates financial, operational, and strategic criteria. 
  • Develop a location selection matrix that prioritizes key factors such as transportation costs, taxation, sustainability considerations, and intellectual property protection. 
  • Model the financial implications of different manufacturing options, including ROI, cost savings, and long-term scalability. 
  • Prioritize top manufacturing partners and locations based on alignment with GLANCE’s growth goals, supply chain resilience, and operational needs. 
  • Design a recommendation supported by quantitative and qualitative analysis that balances cost efficiency, production reliability, and strategic positioning. 
  • Synthesize operational data, location analysis, and partner evaluation into a clear, executive-ready recommendation for selecting a contract manufacturer.
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