The Challenge: Inefficient Transport Leading to Lost Revenue
Our client, a leading global manufacturer of medical supplies, was struggling with the transportation of hospital beds across North America. Their existing logistics method—stacking beds with plywood sheets separating each layer in the trailer—presented multiple issues:
- Safety risks: Beds were unstable during transit, creating liability concerns.
- Frequent damage: Beds arrived damaged, impacting product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Limited capacity: Only 30 beds could be transported per trailer, resulting in higher transportation costs and lost revenue.
The company needed an innovative logistics solution to reduce material costs, improve employee safety, and increase capacity per shipment.
The Solution: Designing the ‘Towers’ for Safe and Efficient Transport
To address these challenges, our team collaborated closely with the client to develop a custom transport solution called the “Towers.”
- Structure: Each Tower was designed to securely hold three hospital beds.
- Mobility: Equipped with caster wheels, the Towers provided easy maneuverability inside trailers, making loading and unloading faster and safer.
- Collaboration: Our team worked with suppliers specializing in metal casting and welding to ensure the Towers’ durability and strength.
- Refinement through testing: The design went through several iterations of testing and redesign to ensure the Towers could withstand the rigors of transport.
- Secure fastening: The beds were safely attached to the Towers, which were then secured to the trailer, ensuring stability during long-haul journeys.
To support production efficiency, we implemented a streamlined manufacturing process that ensured the highest quality across all components.
The Results: Transforming Transportation Logistics
The introduction of the Towers provided significant improvements in logistics and safety for the client:
- Increased Capacity: Trailer capacity grew from 30 to 45 beds—a 50% increase per load.
- Reduced Truckloads: Fewer truckloads were needed, cutting transportation costs and reducing the environmental impact.
- Cost Savings: Eliminating the need for plywood not only reduced material costs but also sped up handling times.
- Minimized Damage: The new system decreased instances of bed damage, reducing replacement and repair costs.
- Enhanced Safety: Safer handling processes reduced employee injuries and liability exposure.
Customized Solutions for Better Logistics
This project is a testament to how innovative thinking and collaborative design can address complex logistical challenges. Our tailored contract manufacturing solution provided immediate and measurable results, including increased shipping efficiency, lower material costs, and enhanced safety.
If your business is facing similar challenges, contact us today to explore how our contract manufacturing solutions can help improve your bottom line.
