In response to the challenges in the market place, Laser's management formulated a survival and turn around plan that entails the following: < Broadening of its product offering with a view to further diversify its markets and customer base outside its traditional markets. < Working capital optimisation through implementation of improved demand forecasting tools and reducing stock holding levels. < Right-sizing the business: This has been achieved by closing down two production centres and reduction in employee headcount by having retrenched 72 workers. This happened between March and May 2009 before the implementation of the labour lay-off scheme. However, Laser CNC reported that they had contact details of those who were retrenched and if the need arose to re-hire some or even all of them, they would do so. < Exploring alternate business opportunities, which include for example Navistar (a manufacturing company in Johannesburg). Laser noted that the first order for Navistar will be during February - March 2010.