ThermoFab Defies Growing Trend Toward International Markets for Cost-Saving Manufacturing

In recent years, manufacturing trends have pointed to international markets to shave dollars off the bottom line. It's not everyday that you hear about companies looking to and getting speed, service and quality from U.S. manufacturers.

Shirley, MA (PRWEB) December 8, 2006 -- ThermoFab a US-based, plastic design and manufacturing company, has completed the delivery of Ignite! Learning's proprietary multimedia educational system, the COW, faster than international competitors' quotes.

In recent years, manufacturing trends have pointed to international markets to shave dollars off the bottom line. It's not everyday that you hear about companies looking to and getting speed, service and quality from U.S. manufacturers. That's what Ignite Learning did two years ago when it needed a model built quickly and efficiently for its COW educational system. ThermoFab, a designer and developer of custom plastic enclosures, located in Shirley, MA, was able to produce a plastic package for Ignite!'s Curriculum On Wheels (COW) program that needed to get into educators hands quickly.

Using a combined strategy of management and manufacturing updates implemented three years ago, ThermoFab as increased production turn around by 50 percent -- from 6-8 weeks to 2-3 on average. This was the tipping point for Ignite Learning, which needed a tangible custom product to house its product.

"Developing COW was a seven-month process," said Alan Davis, VP of Technology and Business Development. "When we got to the packaging, specifically the plastics component, our primary goal was to develop rapidly, without giving up decision-making control. ThermoFab's process was different than other firms, allowing us to secure a more aggressive timeline than other firms could offer. They were very fast -- it was about six weeks from submitting the first design to receiving the first sample. Something other manufacturers couldn't do."

"Once our engineers met with them, there was never a question that ThermoFab would be our choice," continued Davis. "Without ThermoFab and their professional approach, we couldn't have put the COW into classrooms so quickly."

"Our goal was to make a product that required a rich, bright color-matched paint that Ignite! could deploy immediately. We worked with Ignite! Engineers who explained their needs in regards to quality and color, and we nailed it on the initial prototype run," said Tom King, Jr., President of ThermoFab.

"In today's market, where many customers are turning to international competitors for cheaper prices, we're encouraged that a company like Ignite! Learning would select us. Our turnaround time is highly competitive, it's exciting to see our new business process making a difference for our customers," said King.

About Ignite! Learning and ThermoFab:
Ignite! Learning ( www.ignitelearning.com ), Austin, TX produces comprehensive, motivational, standards-based educational media targeted to middle and upper elementary schools. The Company has science and social studies curriculums and is currently developing content for additional disciplines.

ThermoFab ( www.thermofab.com), headquarters in Shirley, MA. The company designs, develops and delivers custom plastic enclosure prototypes and products. Using a technique called Thermoforming, injection-molded detail can be achieved with revolutionary speed and quality.

###