Deep Intelligence Driving Materials Science Company’s Global Strategy

Great ideas often emerge from the most unassuming places, and entrepreneurial success stories are built on innovation, persistence, and vision. In the 1950s, two founders paved the way to becoming a leader in applied engineering and materials science. What started as a venture focused on sealing and acoustic solutions has since evolved into a global company serving industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing across more than 30 countries. 

Today, with a global workforce, and multiple manufacturing facilities, the company continues to push the boundaries of technology and innovation. But in an industry where technological leadership is everything, staying ahead requires more than engineering expertise—it demands data-driven decision-making and strategic foresight. This is where Business Intelligence becomes essential, transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive innovation, efficiency, and long-term success. 

The Challenge of Leading from the Front  

For the Global VP of Corporate Development and Strategic Marketing, maintaining the company’s market leader position means navigating a complex web of opportunities and decisions. With facilities and presence throughout the globe, each strategic move requires careful consideration. 

“We strive to lead our segments and drive technological innovation,” the VP explains. “This requires not only understanding the current market landscape but also anticipating future trends.” 

The company faced a critical challenge: how to maintain technological leadership across multiple industries while strategically expanding into new territories. The company needed more than surface-level market data; they needed to understand the deeper currents shaping their competitive landscape.  

Peeling Back the Layers  

“We work with several research partners,” explains the VP, “but we needed a very specific set of tools from a partner in order to achieve our desired output.” 

The search led the company to Valona Intelligence. What began as a trial engagement has evolved into a lasting partnership spanning multiple strategic projects. Valona’s unique methodology—what the VP calls “the layer approach”—sets them apart from traditional research firms. “Each time we work together, the quality deepens,” he reflects. “It’s like peeling an onion—layer after layer of insight, each one revealing something new and valuable.”  

Depth Through Iteration  

Valona’s research and consulting approach proved uniquely suited to the company’s needs. Rather than delivering one-time reports, they developed an iterative methodology that allowed for continuous refinement of insights.  

“Their team showed exceptional patience,” the VP recalls. “They would present findings, absorb our feedback, then dig deeper—always uncovering another layer of understanding. They weren’t just researchers; they became extensions of our strategic thinking process.”  

This iterative approach led to several breakthrough moments. Strategic decisions about market entry and resource allocation became sharper, more focused. When opportunities arose, the client’s team could move with confidence—or choose to wait, knowing their patience would pay off.  

The Human Element  

While technology transforms manufacturing, success still hinges on human insight. “It’s all about the people,” the VP emphasizes.

“Valona’s team doesn’t just understand data—they understand us. When they presented to our management board, they handled challenging questions with such poise and clarity that it changed how we think about strategic intelligence.”  

The insights provided by Valona have become integral to the company’s strategic planning process, informing everything from value propositions and sales strategies to market entry decisions and partnership selections.  

With this strong foundation of strategic intelligence and human insight, the company is well-positioned for its next phase of growth.  

Looking Forward  

As the company charts its course into new markets, their partnership with Valona continues to evolve. “What we’ve learned,” the VP reflects, “is that every business situation is unique. Success isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having partners who help you ask the right questions, then work alongside you to find the answers.”  

Strategic Intelligence in Action  

• Deep Competitive Understanding: Layer-by-layer analysis reveals critical insights about market positioning and competitor strategies, leading to more informed strategic decisions.  
• Industry-Specific Intelligence: Combined expertise in both technical manufacturing and market dynamics ensures insights that speak directly to industry challenges.  
• Confidence in Strategic Moves: Comprehensive competitive intelligence supports decisions about inflection points in market entry timing, resource allocation, and strategic partnerships.  
• Executive-Level Intelligence Partner: Proven ability to engage with senior leadership, translating complex market intelligence into actionable strategic guidance.  
• Evolving Strategic Value: Partnership model that grows in value over time, with each engagement building deeper understanding and more refined insights.