Excellence in automotive machining was recognized by a quality rating auditor, resulting in certification for precision Davenport and Swiss CNC shop, Gent Machine.

(PRWEB) March 9, 2010 — Gent Machine Company of South Euclid, Ohio was awarded approval of ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/TS 16949:2009 certificates. The contract manufacturer, which has been in business for over 80 years, underwent a three-day audit by SRI Quality System Registrar and culminated in the recent awarding of certification. ISO 9001:2008 is a quality management standard that is awarded to companies that have established, documented, implemented, maintained, and consistently improved a QMS (quality management system).

Additionally, ISO/TS 16949 also requires an actively working QMS and defines it for the production and, when relevant, installation and service of automotive-related products. Therefore, Gent Machine is now approved to manufacture high quality precision parts for the automotive industry (http://www.gentmachine.com/Production-Information/quality-control.html).

The contract manufacturer is celebrating its accomplishment this week when the formal certificate is awarded by SRI.

About Gent Machine: A quality-focused producer of screw machine parts (http://www.gentmachine.com/Production-Information/davenport-screw-machines.html). Our specialty is manufacturing your parts using Davenport and Swiss CNC machines up to 7/8” diameter. We are your one stop shop for precision partsin volumes ranging from 1000 to 20,000,000 and in any shape, material, or tolerance. Please call us today to quote your machine parts.

Atlantic Safety Products recently donated 20 pallets of much needed medical supplies to Haiti to support relief efforts there after the devastating earthquake which caused catastrophic damage and loss of life.

(PRWEB) March 9, 2010 — Atlantic Safety Products recently donated 20 pallets of much needed medical supplies to Haiti to support relief efforts there after the devastating earthquake which caused catastrophic damage and loss of life.

According to reports, as many as three million people may have been affected by the quake, which collapsed government buildings and caused major damage to hospitals in the area.

“The devastation is on-going and medical supplies are still in high demand.” said Robert Dillon, VP of Sales for Atlantic Safety Products, “We’re happy that we were able to help in any way.”

The supplies, valued in excess of $50,000, are part of an envoy of sea-going containers bound for Haiti through Matthew 25 Ministries, a non-profit disaster and humanitarian relief organization.

About Atlantic Safety Products: Atlantic Safety Products is known as the world-wide industry leader in hand protection. It manufactures the internationally acclaimed Lightning Gloves line, featuring the Black Lightning Glove, the first ever black nitrile glove made specifically for the automotive industry. Other brands include: Aloe Power, Lighthouse, InTouch, and Gourmet Glove lines. To find out more about Atlantic Safety Products, please visit www.AtlanticSafetyProducts.com (http://www.AtlanticSafetyProducts.com).

The ultimate goal of the healthcare reform is to attempt to regulate the incredibly high health insurance costs which leaves many out in the cold when it comes to healthcare. However, this is just the beginning of massive change in the insurance market as other sectors come under intense scrutiny. One of these will most likely be the auto insurance market, where premiums have increased steadily for the past two years. Rather than wait for Obama to enact a new reform to lower auto insurance premiums, the owners of 4insure.net have taken a more proactive approach by offering a comprehensive resource aimed at reducing insurance costs.

(PRWEB) March 8, 2010 — Obama’s administration is pointing the finger at insurers, blaming them, directly or indirectly, for the abysmal state of the healthcare system. The goal of the healthcare reform is to essentially allow everyone to have access to affordable healthcare while penalizing those who do not take out insurance policies. Judging by the protests scheduled for March 9th, when insurers will be convening in DC, Obama has significant support and will continue to receive it for other reforms as well. Protests are in favor of the healthcare reform and are the people’s way of saying that they have had enough of the increasingly abusive practices of insurance companies.

The auto insurance (http://www.4insure.net) sector has also seen premiums rising without much justification other than insurers need to keep their profit margins up. This is why it is likely that the administration’s next focus will be on the auto insurance market. These changes do not bode well for the insurance market if companies are not prepared to adapt to a new marketplace.

However, the owners of 4insure.net felt there was no need to wait for President Obama to enact reform in the auto insurance market before people could lower their premiums. For this reason, they launched a comprehensive resource aimed at offering a means to reduce monthly insurance payments through useful information and tools.

“The biggest challenge many consumers face is the overload of information, as the internet offers people more choice than ever. However, comparing all the available plans can last days, even weeks, never mind other pertinent information regarding types of coverage and risk management. This is why we felt a website like 4insure.net which would centralize as much information on lowering auto insurance premiums was a must,” stated the C.E.O. of the company.

This new website offers a wide range of tools and resources to make auto insurance policies easier to understand. . Essentially, people are provided will all the instruments they need to get the best coverage while still cutting down on the cost of their auto insurance. From a car insurance calculator (http://www.4insure.net/uncategorized/car-insurance-calculator/) to help compare the different plans on offer to tips on risk management to reduce insurance premiums, 4insurance.net is a comprehensive resource for anyone who wants to lower their insurance premiums.

For more information on reducing auto insurance premiums, visit www.4insure.net

New Pricing on Technology that Improves Cell Phone Reception for Motorists

St. Charles, IL (PRWEB) March 8, 2010 — Call Capture (http://www.callcaptureusa.com) announces the launch of its new improved website www.callcaptureusa.com with direct-to-consumer e-commerce. Call Capture™ Cellular Signal Amplifiers are targeted at motorists in rural areas, truck drivers and heavy cell users that need to “stay connected and boost cell signals”. Call Capture will now be offering its most popular unit with over $100 savings for a limited time!

Call Capture™ is an American based manufacturer of wireless cellular phone boosters that provide users with improved signal strength, reduced dropped calls and improved call clarity. Frustrated mobile phone users will appreciate the increased signal strength and reduced number of dropped calls. All cell phone booster units are sold as systems, complete with amplifiers, antenna’s and power source for easy installation and use.

In the past, products such as these were mostly sold through cellular dealers and large consumer shopping websites. Dealers targeted users in rural areas where cell coverage was poor. In fact, most consumers do not know there is a solution to poor cellular phone performance. Now, through this unique and consumer friendly website, shoppers will be able to buy, get information on frequently asked questions, or reach tech support in effort to find the perfect solution for their needs. Call Capture products are compatible with all service providers operating on 800 and 1900 MHZ including AT&T, Inc., Sprint, T-Mobile, Alltel and Verizon Wireless, and is also compatible with Bluetooth® devices.

Consumer dependency with cell phone and communications in general make the need for this advanced technology greater than ever. Approximately 83 percent of Americans now own mobile phone device, and their reliance on these devices for phone conversations, email, video, text messaging, business documents are greater than ever.

“Call Capture Wireless Cellular Signal Amplifiers are a smart choice for technology and value, to ensure optimal wireless cellular service and bring peace of mind for using your cell phone when in a mobile environment”. comments President, Andrew Windisch.

What consumers will find on www.callcaptureusa.com:

• Full line of wireless cellular signal amplifiers for home, office or car.

• Now featuring our most popular dual band mobile phone booster, the B800-1900-2P, which is now available directly to consumers for $99? This over $100 off previously advertised prices at major retail or independent cell dealers.

• This outstanding offer can be found at www.callcaptureusa.com/index.php?m=9&s=35

• Perfect for truck drivers, rural users and heavy mobile cell users that need to improve cell phone reception.

• Added value “free” 2.0 Seecode Bluetooth ear piece with purchase of any unit.

• All amplifiers are made in U.S.A.

• 30 day money back guarantee – risk-free offer

• Free freight and an exclusive 2 year warranty-only available through www.callcaptureusa.com

• Toll free tech support and consumer hot line

About Call Capture Wireless:

Located in St. Charles, Illinois, Call Capture manufactures and distributes Cellular Signal Amplifiers and Booster products. Call Capture line of cellular phone boosters has risen to the challenge of today’s always-on mobile workforce by designing, testing and manufacturing the world’s most advanced personal and professional cellular enhancement products with unsurpassed technology, value and ease of use.

For more information about Call Capture Wireless (www.callcaptureusa.com) Cellular Signal Amplifiers.

Martinson-Nicholls new Stay-in-Place Tape secures floor matting to hard surfaces. Using a proprietary 3M adhesive-coated tape backing, the tape comes in versions for securing mats to looped pile carpeting or smooth, sealed hard surfaces.

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) March 8, 2010 — Martinson-Nicholls Stay In Place Matting Tape is designed to stabilize floor mats to smooth or carpeted floors. The anti-slip matting tape (http://www.floormat.com/anti-slip/safety-tape.html) addresses the American Disabilities Act recommendation that floor matting be stable to prevent potential trips and falls.

Stay-in-Place Tape uses a 3M adhesive that attaches to the vinyl backing of floor mats. The other side of this pressure-sensitive tape attaches to a hard surface or loop piled carpet, stabilizing mat movement or lifting. By taping the product to the edges of your floor mats, it also helps seal out dirt and moisture that can accumulate under floor matting.

“With an aging but active population, the need to improve safety and prevent slip and fall over mats is increasingly important,” states Dan Ruminski, president of Martinson-Nicholls, Inc.

When you need to remove the mat, the transparent 3M tape is designed to come up without leaving a sticky residue to clean. It will not harm carpets. The Stay-in-Place Tape is strong and resists tearing even one challenging surfaces such as marble floors. The tape is intended for indoor application only, such as building entrances or other interior mats.

This slip-resistant product comes in two versions: Stay-in-Place Matting Tape 130 for smooth, sealed hard surfaces, and Stay-in-Place Matting Tape 140 for looped pile carpeting. Both tapes are offered in 2 inch by 10-foot rolls. It applies in seconds, and allows the floor mat to be picked up and repositioned for cleaning.

About Martinson-Nicholls

Martinson-Nicholls (http://www.floormat.com), has established itself as a leader in custom anti-slip tape, heated floor mats (http://www.floormat.com/heated-mats/overview.html), and eco-friendly floor matting (http://floormat.com/andersen/andersen-overview.html?panel=1#mat) for more than 25 years.

Martinson-Nicholls provides the customer with the exact size matting needed–small, large, standard, nonstandard, special shapes and logos. Custom installations are also a specialty of the company.

The company is sponsoring a new blog on Cleveland Industrial History (http://floormat.com/blog/), with entertaining and informative stories on Cleveland’s key role in industrial history.

Anti-slip safety tapes and treads are available in various sizes and textures from hand cut or die cut pieces to full rolls and special shapes. For more information, please visit www.floormat.com.

Drawing on over 100 years of transportation experience, ShipCarsNow has also developed and implemented a number of vehicle inspection processes and important safeguards. They offer the following tips for shipping cars.

Auburn Hills, MI (PRWEB) March 8, 2010 — ShipCarsNow (http://www.shipcarsnow.com), part of Union Pacific Corporation (http://www.up.com/), is revolutionizing affordable, reliable damage-free nationwide auto transport for used car dealers, auto auctions, finance companies, and fleet operators.

By offering both truck transport and long-distance rail delivery options, ShipCarsNow gives used car dealers and fleet managers the flexibility to use the shipping mode that best meets their price and timing requirements. Customers simply go online to get an instant price quote and estimated transit time for door-to-door pickup and delivery anywhere in the United States. By registering at www.ShipCarsNow.com customers can also place orders, track their shipments and manage all their transportation needs in one place.

When shipping longer distances, rail is the best and most protected way to move your vehicles to ensure they arrive in great condition. Vehicles are loaded in fully enclosed railcars that protect them from the elements. Vehicles are secured with straps over the wheels and tire chocks are used instead of chains. Each year, the rail industry delivers millions of new cars 99.98% damage free.

Union Pacific has been a transportation leader for nearly 150 years, and is the leading car hauler (http://www.shipcarsnow.com/scn/jas/index.xhtml?page=carHaul) in the North American rail industry. ShipCarsNow has drawn on that experience to implement a number of vehicle inspection processes and important safeguards that ensure on-time, damage free transport and delivery of your automobile by reputable, fully-insured car haulers.

When receiving a vehicle, the buyer carefully inspect the vehicle upon delivery with the car hauler present. It is difficult to prove that damage to a vehicle is a result of transportation when there is no record of damage noted at time of delivery. ShipCarsNow offers the following reminders about the inspection process for anyone hiring a car hauler to transport cars.

Pre-Pickup Inspection

Prior to vehicle pickup by a licensed car hauler, the seller/shipper should carefully inspect each vehicle and note any scratches, dents, or additional problems. When the car hauler arrives, both the seller/shipper and the driver need to sign off on any pre-existing damage.

Delivery Inspection

Upon delivery, the buyer/recipient should immediately and thoroughly inspect the vehicle and note any damage that may be transportation-related on the Proof-of-Delivery receipt presented by the car hauler.

Any damage that may be transportation-related should be noted before signing the receipt. If the recipient signs the receipt without noting any damage, it makes it very difficult to prove damage was transportation-related.

ShipCarsNow offers the following tips to help auto shippers minimize issues that might delay the car hauler in shipping their car(s).

- Keys: Make sure to provide a complete set of keys for your car hauler (ignition, trunk and glove box keys). This is also a DOT requirement. In the event a car hauler is questioned, this will keep him in compliance with transport regulations.

- Removable Components: Car phones, many GPS systems, and stereo face plates are removable. Remember to remove these items from your car before shipping.

- Antennas: If you have antennas for your CB, radio or cell phone that can be removed, take them down. When possible, lower retractable antennas to prevent them from breaking off.

- Spoilers/Fog Lights/Luggage Racks: Detach anything that is removable from the exterior of the car. This will help the car hauler when loading/unloading and will prevent damage to your auto accessories.

- Gas Level: A car should only have about ¼ tank of gas when it is being shipped. This reduces the weight of the car hauler on the road and provides added safety.

- Check Fluid Levels: Prepare your car for a change in weather when shipping to a diverse climate. It is a good idea to check antifreeze and other fluid levels before transport.

- Car Alarms: Disable the car alarm prior to shipping. Your car is likely to feel a few bumps along the way, and if the alarm is activated during transport, it could wear down the battery. If a car hauler has to recharge the battery before moving the vehicle, this could cost you additional time and money.

- A Clean Car: Washing your car prior to transport will help you detail the vehicle’s condition for the Pre-Pickup Inspection. To protect you from damage claims, it is important to give the car hauler an accurate assessment of the car’s overall condition, including chips and scratches in the glass.

ShipCarsNow maintains rigorous processes to ensure that only reputable and insured car haulers handle your automobiles. ShipCarsNow’s strength is our car hauler network, created through relationships with auto transport companies across the United States. We ensure quality and reliable auto shipping by collaborating closely with rail and truck carriers to meet your time, cost, and quality standards. If you are unsure about who to trust your auto shipping to, learn more about ShipCarsNow at www.ShipCarsNow.com.

About ShipCarsNow – ShipCarsNow is a subsidiary of Insight Network Logistics and part of the Union Pacific Corporation. Formed in 2006, ShipCarsNow was created to provide the used car industry with affordable multimodal auto shipping services. The company brings nationwide transportation resources and technology to the auto remarketing industry as a natural extension of Insight’s logistics and transportation operations for new car distribution. ShipCarsNow.com provides used car shippers (e.g. auto manufacturers, auto auctions, dealers, finance companies, fleet operators, etc.) with a fast and easy way to book affordable vehicle transportation online.

For more information, visit http://www.ShipCarsNow.com or contact ShipCarsNow Toll Free (866) 207-3360.

Beaudry RV Company looks at a few of the reasons behind the recovery of the RV Industry.

(Vocus) March 3, 2010 — Beaudry RV Company looks at a few of the reasons behind the recovery of the RV Industry.

Dealers at the latest expo in Edmonton, Alberta saw sales happen from the minute the doors opened. The 30th annual RV show (http://www.beaudryrv.com/) was the busiest in history with sales doubling those from last year, reports RVBusiness News. Thirty seems to be the magic number as Dr. Richard Curtin predicted in the spring 2010 issue of RV Road signs, that 2010 will see a 30% rise over 2009’s year end sales.

Every indicator points to a recovery and there are several factors playing into consumers decisions to begin spending again. The job market is turning around, but not quickly enough to be the sole cause of the numbers reported across both the US and Canada.

Newer models of RVs (http://rvsales.beaudryrv.com/inventory.asp) are also a factor. Features such as outdoor kitchens are receiving a lot of interest. Back-to-the-basics pop-up campers are getting renewed attention from minimalist campers looking to revert back to a simpler way of life. Green and eco friendly models that include solar panels and fuel efficient models are helping consumers who previously thought of RVs as pollution machines to reconsider their outlook. Also numerous studies have found RV vacations have less of a carbon footprint than traditional plane and hotel vacations.

As consumer opinions about RVs change, people are rejecting the old notions that RVs are only for retirees. The government’s recent decision to support the RV industry by confirming June 2010 as the official RV Centennial Celebration month illustrates the impact the RVing lifestyle has made on the Americans.

“We’re proud to be part of a lifestyle that has affected so many individuals in a positive way,” says Thom Sylvester, CEO of Beaudry RV Company. “All the positive press this year makes us confident the RV industry will be here for another 100 years.”

Lubbock’s leading self storage company, Affordable Storage of Lubbock, has opened a new location. The new facility is located at 103rd and Frankford in Lubbock.

(PRWEB) March 5, 2010 — Affordable Storage now renting in Lubbock

Affordable Storage of Lubbock has long been the leader in the storage industry in Lubbock, Texas but they have now taken things to another level. Affordable Storage of Lubbock is proud to announce the opening of its newest location at 103rd St. and Frankford in Lubbock. The company is hoping that this will open the doors to customers who were not previously able to utilize the service that Affordable Storage of Lubbock offered because there was not a facility close to them. The new location is open for business now and ready to serve new customers, no matter what their self storage needs may be.

No matter what storage needs a customer has, Affordable Storage of Lubbock is ready to meet them and help every step of the way when customers are looking for storage in Lubbock (http://www.affordablestorageoflubbock.com). Whether it be going off to college and needing a place to store stuff there just isn’t room for, downsizing a home or relocating to Lubbock Texas, Affordable Storage of Lubbock has a solution that is right. Affordable Storage of Lubbock has three locations in Lubbock to serve customers, so no matter what part of town , if self storage is required Lubbock storage units (http://www.affordablestorageoflubbock.com), they have a solution to fit needs that is nearby.

The newest location that Affordable Storage of Lubbock offers is located at 103rd Street and Frankford. Bryan and Nathan, who run this location, are ready to make sure that everyone gets the best customer service that can be offered and to make sure that all storage needs are met. They have a lot of experience in the storage industry and will be glad to answer any questions that may arise. The office at this location is also open 7 days a week to ensure that an accessible solution is available to everyone, no matter how busy schedules are.

This location offers security amenities that are second to none. There are no more keys to access the gate to a storage unit. The only way to get in is to have a Personal Access Code to open the electronic gate. This cuts down worrying about possessions if something happens, such as lost or misplaced keys.That is assurance that nobody else has access to stored items. There are also video cameras everywhere in this facility. Every drive and hallway is in view of a camera so that anything going on premise can be seen and monitored. “If your belongings aren’t safe and you can’t be assured that we are doing everything we can to protect those things that are valuable to you then have we really done our job, “ asks Michael Postar, Owner of Affordable Storage Of Lubbock, “If we can’t provide this for you, then I have no right to ask for your business.”

Affordable Storage of Lubbock has also taken external security to a new level. They have incorporated 9 foot tall solid metal fences into their facilities. This not only keeps people from watching as your valuables are being loaded into a unit but helps protect against that infamous West Texas blowing dirt. Dust controlled and Climate Controlled units are also offered. With the Climate Controlled units possessions that are temperature sensitive, expensive or fragile can be safely stored and protected the right way. “We believe in being a total solution for our customers. It does not matter what it is that you are needing to store we have a storage unit that will work for you and ensure that you can store with confidence,” says Postar.

If the location at 103rd St. and Frankford is not convienent, Affordable Storage of Lubbock has two more locations in Lubbock that can handle any and all self storage needs as well. The location at 50th St. and Avenue Q offers all of the same security features as the other Lubbock storage (http://www.affordablestorageoflubbock.com) locations but adds the benefit of Open Parking and RV Parking in the same location as their storage units so it truly is a one stop solution for any storage needs. The Open Parking offered at his location is perfect for those watercraft that are out of season or campers that are taking up needed space at home. The Open Parking is located inside of the 9 foot fence so that people cannot see what is being stored. This also eliminates those parking tickets that the city can issue for these types of items being stored in an alley.

50th St. and Avenue Q also offers a solution for RV Parking needs. They have enclosed RV parking that is accessible through large doors that feature a pull chain for easy lifting and easy closing of the door. These units are lighted so that there is always great visibility both day and night. They also include 12amp breakers to meet all power needs. The RV units are all 15 foot wide and 40 foot deep to easily accommodate any Recreational Vehicle storage needs.

Phillip and Andrew are the managers at this location are there to assist with whatever your storage needs happen to come up. “At Affordable Storage of Lubbock are the tangible service that we offer to our community but its our people that truly make a difference. I have carefully selected people like Phillip and Andrew to manage these locations because of their experience in the storage industry but more importantly for their willingness to provide great customer service and ensure that every customers self storage needs are met in a timely and cost efficient manner,” says Postar, “All of our employees are dedicated to being the best that we can be and I will not accept anything less than that.”

The location at 32nd St. and Frankford offers yet another convenient location that is ready to meet all of Lubbock’s storage needs. This location offers all of the same security features found at the other Affordable Storage of Lubbock locations, it just targets a different area of town. “Whenever we started building storage locations in Lubbock, Texas we wanted to make sure that we were able to reach anyone and everyone in Lubbock who had self storage needs. You will notice that our locations are spread out enough to be able to do this while still maintaining the values of customer service and being a total solution that our customers have come to expect. I truly hope that anyone in Lubbock looking for storage, be it self storage, RV storage or traditional mini storage will give my team the opportunity to provide you with the excellent service that we have provided to so many others. We look forward to many years of providing the Lubbock community with a self storage option that is affordable, convenient and everything we have promised it will be,” stated Postar.

Michael Postar is the Owner of Affordable Self Storage Lubbock (http://www.affordablestorageoflubbock.com). The company is based in Lubbock, Texas. They are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST Monday through Friday to assist you.

Wireless Internet Service Provider “Turns WiFi into a Profit Center” for Property Owners.

(PRWEB) March 4, 2010 — WiFiRV, (http://wifirv.com) an 8-year-old wireless Internet service provider (WISP), announced a new outreach program designed to help RV park, resort, and campground owners understand the difference between “free” vs. “for fee” WiFi options for their properties — and the impact of each on their bottom line.

“Many property owners don’t realize there are two ways to do WiFi in a RV park or campground (http://wifirv.com),” said John M. Borg II, WiFiRV’s Founder and CEO. “They believe their only option is to provide the amenity at no charge to their patrons, and then foot the bill for equipment, data usage, and repairs. But there is another way.”

Borg, a multi-generation commercial and residential property owner and Wall Street finance and technology guru, says that the second option is based on the business model cellular providers have used for over a decade. “Under this second arrangement, the Internet service provider (ISP) pays the property owner for access to their patrons, and the patrons themselves pay to go online. It’s like the property owners who allow cell towers on their properties – that right of way is well-rewarded, as it should be.”

In addition, Borg said, under this arrangement the ISP usually maintains and repairs all the wireless equipment and shares the profits with the property owner. By turning the WiFi amenity into a profit center, as opposed to an expense, RV resorts, parks, and campgrounds aren’t straddled with WiFi services as yet another form of expensive marketing to attract or retain customers. “This is the only way that the wireless ISP stays motivated to provide quality 24×7 customer support and service, maintain the equipment, and ensure that the standards of service are in line with the property owner’s needs for happy campers,” Borg said. “Many properties are coming to realize this now, but are locked into long-term contracts forcing them to seek upgrades at a premium.”

WiFiRV’s new outreach program will distribute detailed comparison sheets, financial analysis results from nearly a decade of WiFi experience (http://wifirv.com), and other useful literature to help RV resort, park, and campground owners make the right WiFi decisions for their property.

“There was a lot of hype when WiFi first reached the RV industry,” Borg said. “Property owners were promised by WiFi providers that offering free WiFi would attract more patrons and travelers. Unfortunately, WiFiRV research shows free WiFi just doesn’t perform as expected — and that has opened the door for more innovative ways of approaching the amenity at properties that simply cannot afford to offer it free or don’t think it’s a wise business choice.”

Property owners can request information about WiFiRV’s outreach program by contacting WiFiRV directly. (http://wifirv.com)

Rollx, a manufacturer of new and used wheelchair-equipped vans has begun introducing new van models 3-4 months ahead of competitors. This success has come as a result of incorporating accurate 3D scanning of many of the van’s features, allowing for rapid reverse engineering of interior and exterior ground effects. Now Rollx offers late-model vehicles to the wheelchair community more quickly than could have ever been done before.

(PRWEB) March 4, 2010 — Rollx (http://www.rollxvans.com/), the only manufacturer and direct seller of new and used mini and full-size wheelchair-equipped vans has a mission—deliver freedom to the wheelchair community. In addition to the freedom of movement, it guarantees the freedom to choose the most convenient service center, including an At Home Service program—any time and anywhere customers designate. No wonder 99 percent of Rollx’s customers say they would return again and recommend the company to others.

In return for this commitment and its high quality standards, Rollx expects the same from its service providers. That’s why Chief Engineer Lynn Ringdahl chose The QC Group (http://www.theqcgroup.com)to provide 3D scans of the latest van models and says that the company’s flawless scans were essential in introducing customized vans three to four months ahead of their competitors.

Painful lessons

The eventual choice did not come without a few bumps in the road. Lengthy reworks associated with manual measurements and patterns frustrated Ringdahl. He explains, “The problem with this approach is that we wouldn’t know a pattern wasn’t right until the mold was made. We went through this process three or four times, making refinements. It took several months until we got it right, which created a real hurdle in meeting customer and market demand. That’s just unacceptable to us.”

Ringdahl opted for 3D scanning services and chose the company that makes its molds, “assuming they would be best suited and motivated to provide us accurate scans,” he explains. “The results were disappointing. They just didn’t meet Rollx quality standards, and once again we faced molds that needed reworking.”

That’s when he asked the company that manufactured Rollx’s plastic parts for their recommendations. “It was clear from investigating the candidates that The QC Group had the expertise we needed.”

Fastest route to a factory finish

Rollx actually removes the factory-installed floor from a van and drops a new one in 11 inches lower to accommodate a wheelchair. In order to make the van look factory finished, the interior and exterior ground effects need to be reverse engineered, enabling the creation of new interior plastic shrouds that fill gaps created by the change in the floor location.

Ringdahl says, “A 3D scan should be the fastest route to detailed dimensional drawings. It takes skilled operators and engineers who know their stuff to clean up the data and build the CAD model in the computer—the kind of people at the QC Group.”

According to RIngdahl, The QC Group made the process fast and painless. “They had a quote for us within a couple days that included options for how detailed we wanted the scans to be. The job was done within about a week and a half, and the scans were flawless. The GM knew how concerned I was and let me work directly with the company’s engineers.”

Record time-to-market

“Best of all,” he adds, “We saved months of frustrating delays and reworks, but the most important result is that we were able to provide our customers the new models as fast as possible.”

Three months after Rollx released its new-model vans, Ringdahl had one of those moments in the sun. While attending a trade show, he felt tremendous satisfaction in seeing a couple of competitors exhibiting their prototypes. He says, “We simply could not have done this without The QC Group. Accurate 3D scanning services (http://www.theqcgroup.com/engineering/3d-laser-scanning/) made a huge difference.”

Note from The QC Group: We commend Rollx Vans founder, the late Wade Harris, for creating a charitable program within the company in 2004 that has been providing the free use of accessible vans to veterans returning from service in Afghanistan and Iraq who were injured and required lengthy hospitalization and rehabilitation. “Wounded Warriors” has helped 200 injured veterans return home to their families much sooner, with transportation to and from rehabilitation sites and medical clinics. In addition, Wade’s significant contributions are helping The MS Society The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Paralyzed Veterans Games, ALS, United Cerebral Palsy and other organizations that support the wheelchair community.