Background In early 1999 the owners of an entrepreneurial venture, focused on deploying an advanced medical waste disposal system worldwide, approached Global MetalForm regarding the company’s manufacturing strategy. The customer’s business plan is centered on the manufacture and distribution of a proprietary microwave disinfection system for medical waste treatment. The proprietary technology used by the system is a cost-effective and environmentally compatible service and provides an advanced technology solution to the problems of medical waste management. In considering its manufacturing strategy, the customer consulted with Global MetalForm with the objective of developing a strategic manufacturing partner who could turnkey manufacture the system in a cost-effective manner, as well as develop the manufacturing processes and controls that would allow rapid development of off-shore assembly shops where in-country manufacture and investment are critical aspects of securing business. Since the inception of a memorandum of understanding between the two companies, Global MetalForm has successfully delivered this system to customers located around the globe and has established a ISO 9001 compliant manufacturing process that has delivered these units on time with outstanding quality.
The complete system (See Figure 1) weighs in excess of 20,000 pounds when completed and is designed to be a stand-alone system with only a single connection point required for power and water. Manufacture of the system requires the procurement, installation and integration of numerous mechanical, electrical, electronic and hydraulic subsystems including microwave and steam generators, electronic control systems, and mechanical components such as the screw transport system, waste shredder and inlet hopper system. (See Figures 2 - 6.) Effective Project Management Is Critical Effective material control and logistics capabilities are integral to production as the complete system is comprised of over 500 different parts, the majority of which are procured from over 400 suppliers. The Global MetalForm SYMIX ERP system provides the data warehousing and information control required to accomplish this task. ISO 9001 compliant processes ensure consistency in execution and product quality. Leveraging to the total capabilities of the Global MetalForm team has allowed our customer to focus its human resources on the acquisition of new customers, penetration of new markets and the development of the next generation of product, all while avoiding the capital outlay for materials, tooling and facilities that an in-house build strategy would have required. For more information about Global MetalForm and our complete line of services, call 1.800. 233.4818 or contact us through e-mail. |
