Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Rohner Textil AG (B)

Werhane, Patricia ...

Case

Rohner Textil AG (B)

Werhane, Patricia H.; Gorman, Michael E.; Mehalik, Matthew M.

E-0108 | Published January 22, 1997 | 4 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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This series of cases (see also the A [UVA-E-0107], C [UVA-E-0109], D [UVA-E-0110], and E [UVA-E-0147] cases) takes students through five design-and-manufacturing decisions confronting Albin Kalin, managing director of Rohner Textil AG, a textiles manufacturer in northeastern Switzerland. The B case finds Kalin facing a new problem. Steelcase has updated its manufacturing machinery, thus creating additional strength requirements for the compostable fabric Rohner has designed. Kalin must decide whether to coat the fabric with a chemical that has questionable environmental side effects to avoid losing his biggest customer.