The focus on scale economies had left a number of specialty markets open for small and technically savvy firms. The key to success in the specialty market was not the efficient manufacture of large quantities, but figuring out how to feasibly and economically produce relatively small batches with distinct properties. In this market, a good chemist and a flexible production system were key drivers of success. Baker Adhesives had both. The business was started by Doug Baker’s father, a brilliant chemist who left a big company to focus on the more interesting, if less marketable, products that eventually became the staple of Baker Adhesives’ product line. While Baker’s father had retired some years ago, he had attracted a number of capable new employees, and the company was still an acknowledged leader in the specialty market. The production facilities, though old, were readily adaptable and had been well maintained.