Compress and Expand Growth: McKinsey-Style Growth Case Interview
Compress and Expand Growth is a medium-difficulty McKinsey-style growth case interview with 7 interviewer questions and 2 exhibits; candidates finish it in a median 21 minutes. Your first full case is free with an account: run it out loud with an AI interviewer or step by step.
| Case type | Growth |
|---|---|
| Industry | Industrial Goods / Energy Equipment |
| Firm style | McKinsey |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Interviewer questions | 7: context, clarifying, structure, 3 analysis, synthesis |
| Math questions | 0 |
| Exhibits | 2 |
| Modes | Voice and guided |
| Completed runs | 15 |
| Median time | 21 minutes |
| Source | Adapted from the Wharton consulting club casebook |
Runs, times and ratings are from Road to Offer practice data as of 6 November 2026.
The case
Compressor Co. makes large gas compressors for refineries and steel plants. Revenue has been flat. What short- and long-term growth moves should it pursue?
The US-based company has $1B in global sales. Compressors are huge, last 10-20 years, and have a 1.5-year order-to-delivery cycle. Maintenance is handled by local third parties today.
The interviewer's first question
Summarize the client situation and the decision we need to support.
Exhibits you will read
- Exhibit A: Upgrade Opportunities
- Exhibit B: Oil Refining Capacity Growth
What this case tests
No math steps, two exhibits and three analysis questions: this case is about reading exhibits and judgment more than calculation.