Pros
Rain Bird has the potential to deliver a quality product because the requirements are performance driven unfettered by any regulatory, ANSI, or government minimum "standards." The products can be technically challenging,with reasonable qualifcation process, and competent resources for components and systems. It should be possible for the technical staff to readily provide quality, innovative, focused new product offerings. There is a high degree of brand recognition and perception of quality by the customer base. Product lines have been stable with successful past efforts to provide consistent, reliable products which can capitalize on brand loyalty. The potential to exploit the dislocation of water resources with creative solutions of the "intelligent use of water" is so great that it is a conundrum that there is not explosive growth.
Cons
Rain Bird managers will step over a dollar to pick up a penny. All efforts are aimed at short term maximization of free cash. Investment in coordination of systems such as inventory management, product planning, forecasting, and customer service have fallen flat. Business units are competitive, plants are self serving and management is so bent to squeeze the extra penny, that the service level, satisfaction level, loyalty of machine operators, and general quality of operations is mediocre at best and indifferent in sustaining improved work, working conditions, retention of workers and loyalty in general. Each business unit and every autonomous plant has it's special agenda. Senior management can only control the purse. Middle managers are adept at presenting the "numbers" in the best light; he who can spin the numbers best is promoted.