CASE STUDY
Returnable Steel Rack
Holds material securely from their factory to their customer. Once unloaded shipped back to their factory for re-loading.
Investing time in understanding
4x process reviews
2x “go-and-sees”
2x prototype & post-sale in person reviews
Industry
Automotive (Tier one to OEM)
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The “ask”
Katayama America Co., Inc. (KACI) needed a rack to transport parts from their factory to the customer. The design was based on a similar rack, but with enhanced features to hold a new model part.
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How it was used
Carry vehicle door components.
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Unique about the specs
The customer needed stenciling and numbering for returnable packaging, including indicators for right hand and left hand parts. This helped the operator easily identify the part number of the part in the rack, and if left or right handed.
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Unique about how we helped the customer
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Met with customer four times over the phone to review throughout the process
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Visited customer in the plant two times for field measure and “go-and-see” process
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Visited one time for prototype review
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Visited one time for post-sale feedback
We were able to build 212 racks. We collaborated to change the design to make it more secure.
Capabilities
PROTOTYPE
SHORT-RUN
Steps
1.
Confirm Scope
2.
"Go & See" Daily Application
3.
3D Model
4.
Confirm Design
5.
Manufacture Prints
6.
Saw Cut
7.
Notch
8.
Machine
9.
Plasma
10.
Paint
11.
Weld
12.
Stencil ID & Part Number
What people are saying
"[Valence] has always been a company that can design innovative solutions for material handling needs. They are competitive in their fabrication costs and dependable on their deliveries."
- Former Materials Manager. Katayama America Co