Great Lakes: Great Decisions (A)

Authors: Freeman, R. Edward; Mead, Jenny; Werhane, Patricia H.; Wicks, Andrew C.
Source: University of Virginia Darden School Foundation
Year: 2008
Company Name: Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
Number of pages: 10

[This document has not yet been rated] [You must be signed in as faculty to rate this document]   1671 views

Abstract:

One of the few remaining producers of lead additives must decide whether to continue producing them for use abroad. Banned in the United States, lead additives were still legal in developing nations. Ellie Shannon, the division manager overseeing bromine production for the Indiana-based Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (Great Lakes), must advise Great Lakes' directors on whether the company should 1) continue production for the forseeable future, while developing countries moved from leaded vehicles to unleaded vehicles; 2) wash its hands entirely and immediately of the lead additive business; or 3) aggressively phase out its participation in this marketplace, with a five-year deadline, while lobbying for developing nations to switch to unleaded gasoline. Each of the options had its downside, however, financially, operationally, and in terms of reputation. GreatLakes placed a great deal of importance in its shareholders' well-being and in remaining a viable company, but it also wanted to be--and to be seen as--a respectable corporate citizen.