Keeping one's head cool in the heat of a complex project

The challenge

A chemical toilet manufacturer looking to extend his supply programme decided to start by building a whole new factory. The first product to roll off the conveyor belt was to be a refrigerator. Attema Kunststof & Techniek was ready to take the plunge towards optimising and producing the many plastic components. No sinecure to be sure, as it entailed making approximately 90 injection and extrusion moulds for about 120 components. Large and small. Technical and visual - in short, in terms of planning and co-ordination, a precision project. Moreover, one that required considerable investment on the part of both the client and Attema Kunststof & Techniek.

The approach

In view of the short realisation period and the required optimisation in the mutual alignment of this large quantity of components, Attema Kunststof & Techniek decided to contract out the manufacture of moulds in the Netherlands, whilst remaining responsible for the technical implementation of the moulds. The critical factor in this project was careful planning. Progress was monitored constantly and any modifications needed were made immediately. At all stages, preparations were elaborate and exact, ranging from instrument-making right up to the planning of trial injections. Contact between all disciplines was intense, technical and financial reporting and communications were extensive, using even the client's extranet. A project database developed by Attema Kunststof & Techniek was used to manage the project. Attema Kunststof & Techniek's extruding and injection moulding potential turned out to be a crucial advantage: tuning between both disciplines was highly satisfactory. The final processing included tampon and silkscreen printing.

The result

This project has yielded more than just a good product; it is ultimate proof that Attema Kunststof & Techniek is equipped to carry out and bring to fruition complex assignments. Within the year, all moulds were ready and the refrigerator was taken into production. The short lead time and the high-quality output were the upshot of Attema Kunststof & Techniek's structural approach and its pro-active attitude in particular.