As a product engineer for IRWIN Tools, I was tasked with the development of 27 new demolition SKUs for entering new market space.
New line of demolition tools set to hit shelves late 2018
Background:
We recognized a consumer need for faster demolition and found we could apply our Groovelock technology to a new tool. However, in order to launch this product into stores it would need to be accompanied by a family of demolition tools to fill the wall.
My Tasks:
• Work with marketing to determine which length of demolition tools the consumer wants
• Receive supplier samples to evaluate quality and capabilities, and advise sourcing of supplier feasibility
• Develop new test procedures for products based around ASME standards, but using internal metrics
• Help improve new Indian supplier standards to meet the needs of the American consumer
• CAD all 27 demolition SKUs in Creo and create drawings for each one, while working closely with the PLM team to best determine how to handle similar parts of varying lengths
Entering a new market with a new supplier was a very challenging endeavor. Their quality standards were completely unacceptable for the American market, and their testing protocols were the bare minimum required for a finished product. We worked closely with bi-weekly calls to ensure full adoption of our internal, rigorous testing procedure developed by me. We held them to our high standards and ensured they could achieve a great product that passed our durability testing, safety compliance, and Industrial Design aesthetic. Due to their shortcomings, this supplier was only able to produce our chisels, rather than the entire slew of heavy pry bars and sledgehammers. IRWIN still tries to build this supplier, as the low costs are a huge benefit for basic tools and forgings.
Key Takeaways:
• Close collaboration with our Industrial Designers and Brand Marketing teams
• Steel forging, forming, and processing design and development experience
• Vetting and qualifying a new Indian supplier
• Rapport building with test lab engineers and technicians to create new procedures and guidelines
