半分钟听力5

... and this morning, we welcome John Winterman, Managing Director of Turners, the sports company which manufactures golf and tennis equipment. [00:09.05] Morning. [00:10.04] So, John, you took charge of the company after a management buy out. [00:14.49] What made you and the other managers sure that it would be a successful move? [00:19.27] Well, when we bought the business in nineteen ninety seven, we knew there were financial problems to solve, including some hidden debts. [00:28.02] But we felt the products themselves were really excellent, and a good basis from which to grow the company. [00:34.27] And, although the brand image was not particularly well known, we felt it was possible to build on it. [00:40.22] I see. [00:41.39] I believe the previous owners were not specialists in the field ... That's right.., they were a large engineering group called AFT. [00:49.35] Did that cause any difficulties? [00:52.19] Yes. [00:53.35] Although AFT used the same management systems as in its other - engineering - businesses, and these seemed to be working, [01:01.48] the production system just was not right for a consumer goods company. [01:06.28] Turners offers a wide range of products, and has a complex business mix as a result. [01:11.46] I see. [01:13.05] And how did their management system affect distribution?