Company Profile:
Founded in 1967 the 100% woman-owned and Racine, Wisconsin-based Reed Switch Developments Corp. (RSD) are globally recognized experts in the design, development, and manufacture of standard and custom magnetic reed switches and proximity sensor assemblies for various applications.
Situation:
RSD was experiencing record sales growth alongside a skilled labor shortage. To address this, the company sought to integrate new manufacturing automation technologies that could maximize in-house production capacities with existing staff resources. RSD had already prototyped several new pieces of production machinery, including an Auto-Potting system. The high-mix, low-volume nature of RSD’s operations and the predominantly custom nature of most of its larger orders compounded the automation challenges. A WMEP Manufacturing Solutions consultant met with the company to explore potential solutions.
Solutions:
WMEP Manufacturing Solutions worked closely with RSD to optimize, refine, and deploy its prototype Auto-Potting system. This involved various activities, including programming, mechanical design, and machining. WMEP also provided the necessary project management support to keep the automation project on track.
Results:
- Transitioned RSD’s Auto-Potting system prototype into production-ready equipment.
- Implemented a viable manufacturing automation solution that allowed for the ongoing reallocation of employee labor hours to other critical manufacturing tasks.
- Reduced employee repetitive motion risks and improved ergonomics.
- Provided systems integration mentorship to the RSD technical team.
- Expanded the partnership to include the development and implementation of a longer-term, facility-wide vision for factory floor automation.
- 30%+ increase in sales over the following 18 months.
Our WMEP Manufacturing Solutions collaboration has proven invaluable in progressing our critical factory floor automation initiatives. Their expertise and support have enabled us to transform our auto-potting machinery prototype into viable production equipment. This collaboration has helped us to more rapidly upscale our production capacities while maintaining the RSD commitments to technical innovation, customer service excellence, and on-time deliveries that have been synonymous with our brand since 1967.”
Debra D. Dahlin, President, Reed Switch Developments Corp.