Programs/Services - Example Projects
Example Projects | Agility Resources | Examples of Industry PartnersOperational Improvements | Product Development & Enhancement
Enterprise Resource Integration
Product Development & Enhancement
Garland Commercial Industries Inc., Freeland, PA, designs and manufactures ovens, ranges, broilers, and griddles. The company need to advance its competitive position by improving the design and reducing costs of its full size convection oven products. The ESC personnel worked together with the company to improve functionality and reduce manufacturing costs in three areas: base stiffness, door alignment, and thermal isolation of the control panel.
After studying the existing product design and its manufacturing and assembly processes, the ESC proposed potential areas for improvement with an emphasis on cost reduction through the implementation of improved design and a simplified manufacturing procedure. The final results of the project include: a redesigned base with enhanced leg strength; redesigned oven door configuration that reduced costs without compromising performance; optimal design for fan, airflow, and insulation configuration to control overheating; and design of a cost-effective cart to work in conjunction with cafeteria-style ovens. These changes improved overall performance of the company's product lines while reducing production costs by $500,000 annually.
Unique Technologies Inc., Mohnton, PA, is a well-established manufacturer of surgical products. In an effort to diversify its product lines and expand into new markets, the company was investigating development of a product to remove Norplant contraceptive implants. The ESC was brought in to help with a plan for development and commercialization of this new product. In addition to ensuring product performance and manufacturability, the ESC was required to meet budgetary targets with regard to the equipment and tooling necessary to develop the product, and the per unit production costs.
The ESC developed a product design which met the desired functional and structural properties. By conducting an extensive search for appropriate suppliers and suggesting alternate production materials, the ESC succeeded in bringing production costs well within the target range. The end results for the company was a product that performed as needed and met the cost objective, thereby ensuring healthy long-term revenues.
