List of Standard Site Visit Questions for Mfr?
February 27, 2025
by a searcher from University of Virginia-Darden - Darden School of Business in Charlottesville, VA, USA
Does anyone have a somewhat standard set of questions for a pre-LOI site visit to a small manufacturer? Alternatively, any particular must-ask questions that you think should be included while on site?
from University of Virginia in Metuchen, NJ 08840, USA
When visiting a manufacturing plant for due diligence, it's crucial to strike a balance between building rapport with the current owner and gathering valuable information to inform your Letter of Intent (LOI) and future due diligence. Below are some thoughtful and strategic questions categorized for both relationship-building and operational insight.
Feel free to ignore or modify based on information already gathered from the broker/M&A Advisor, the teaser, CIM, website etc. If you do some advance preparation before the meeting, it will distinguish you as a motivated buyer. Busy owners of good businesses shut down the Q&A process quickly if they notice that the buyer did not do any advance preparation work.. Time constraint for the visit will be another crucial factor so you may have to prioritize the questions. For less material issues, more details can await the post LOI due diligence phase. 1. Building Rapport & Understanding the Owner’s Perspective Origin Story: "What inspired you to start (or acquire) this business, and how has it evolved over time?" Proudest Achievements: "What are you most proud of regarding the business’s growth or impact?" Daily Involvement: "What does a typical day look like for you here? How involved are you in day-to-day operations?" Reason for Selling: "What led you to the decision to sell, and what kind of future would you like to see for the business?" Employee Relationships: "How would you describe your relationship with the team? Are there any key employees who are critical to operations?"
2. Understanding Operations & Asset Quality Production Process: "Can you walk me through the full manufacturing process from order to delivery?" Equipment & Maintenance: "What are the key pieces of equipment, and how do you handle maintenance and upgrades? Are there any major repairs or replacements on the horizon?" Capacity & Utilization: "What is your current production capacity, and how close are you to operating at full capacity?" Inventory Management: "How do you manage raw materials and finished goods inventory? Are there any supply chain constraints I should be aware of?" Technology & Automation: "Have you recently invested in any new technologies or automation? Are there areas where you see room for improvement?"
3. Financial & Operational Metrics Revenue Drivers: "What are the primary revenue streams, and which products or services have the highest margins?" Customer Concentration: "How diversified is your customer base? Are there any major customers representing a significant portion of revenue?" Seasonality & Demand: "Are there any seasonal patterns or market trends that affect production and sales?" Cost Structure: "What are your biggest operational costs, and where do you see opportunities to improve efficiency?" Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): "Which metrics do you monitor most closely to track business performance?"
4. People & Culture Workforce Dynamics: "Can you tell me about your team? How many employees are there, and are there any union considerations?" Employee Retention: "What’s your approach to retaining talent, and are there any key personnel who should stay on after the sale?" Training & Development: "Do you have formal training programs, and how do you ensure quality control across operations?"
5. Risk & Compliance Regulatory Compliance: "What regulations apply to your operations, and how do you stay compliant?" Health & Safety: "What safety measures are in place, and have there been any recent incidents?" Environmental Concerns: "Are there any environmental liabilities or compliance issues I should know about?" Insurance: "What types of insurance coverage do you maintain for the business and its assets?"
6. Future Opportunities & Challenges Growth Potential: "If you were to keep the business, what growth opportunities would you pursue?" Competitive Landscape: "How do you position yourself against competitors, and what differentiates you in the market?" Challenges Ahead: "What challenges do you foresee for the business in the next 2-3 years?"
7. Preparing for Transition Owner's Role in Transition: "Would you be open to staying involved during a transition period to ensure a smooth handover?" Key Relationships: "Are there any supplier or customer relationships that would require special attention during the transition?" Pending Projects: "Are there any ongoing projects or upcoming commitments that a new owner should be aware of?"
from University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, USA