Initially, Brabeck launched a manufacturing efficiency program called MH97.The objective was to reduce raw material costs and to optimize production processes. Between 1997 and 2002, 165 factories were closed, which generated savings in excess of CHF 4 billion. MH97 was followed by a program called Target 2004+ that focused on improving operating performance by creating a regional manufacturing network. The project relied strongly on benchmarking and best practice transfer. By refocusing on a small number of high-performing factories, the program generated savings of more than CHF 3 billion between 2002 and 2004. Target 2004+ was succeeded by a program called Operation Excellence 2007 that redeploys many of the prior projects' concepts. This program's key objectives are to improve supply chain productivity, optimize planning, eliminate overheads,and reduce product complexity.