OVERVIEW
Wausaukee Composites is a leading manufacturer of highly engineered composite components for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. Its customers are from a wide range of industries including construction equipment, agricultural equipment, mass transportation, wind energy, medical and security imaging, commercial site furnishing, therapeutic systems, corrosion-resistant materials handling, and recreation. More than half of them are Fortune 500 companies. With more than 500 employees located at three manufacturing plants in the Midwest, the company has been producing fiberglass products since 1966. Today, it is one of the preeminent firms providing custom composite, plastics-molded products worldwide.
THE CHALLENGE
When the chief financial officer of Wausaukee Composites resigned, finding new financial leadership became a considerable challenge for the manufacturer. The company needed an experienced executive, but recruiting top talent to its rural location would take time. Until the right replacement could be found, the manufacturer needed to maintain its financial responsibilities. The company reached out to Wipfli for assistance during the transition.
THE APPROACH
Wipfli stepped in to provide interim CFO services, bringing stability and deep manufacturing expertise to lead Wausaukee Composites through a critical leadership transition and help prepare for future growth.
We were faced with two challenges: One, how to bridge the gap between the departure of our CFO, and two, recruiting a world-class, highly experienced financial executive and bringing that person to our small, rural community. Wipfli, and specifically Keith Koszarek, allowed us the time to bridge the gap and accomplish the task of recruiting a new CFO while maintaining our financial reporting continuity.
THE RESULTS
Wipfli was able to "parachute in" to provide continuity for nearly nine months while the manufacturer's search for a new CFO ensued. Armed with extensive knowledge of Wausaukee Composites and its business, Keith Koszarek gave the company assurance that its financial information would be maintained in a timely and accurate manner. Because the CFO responsibilities were efficiently sustained, the new CFO was able to walk right into the position, ensuring Wausaukee Composites experienced a smooth transition.
Relationship Executive(s)