Developing in harmony

Discusses a recent practical experience of reconfiguring a logistics system in Europe. Begins by outlining the changing market boundaries and asserts that, whilst the trend is towards global manufacturing and a simplification of the supply chain and standardization of products, conflicts are arising with customers who want more tailor‐made products. In the light of this changing environment and new challenges, the paper looks at the company Energizer, the European arm of Eveready Battery. Suggests a number of recommendations for re‐engineering the supply chain of the company and outlines how this has affected the organisational structure.