Low Insertion Retainer reduces installation effort.
Press Release Summary:
Ergonomically designed low insertion retainer reduces installation effort into sheet metal panels by 60%, reducing risk of back injuries and wrist/hand disorders. Engineered and designed using Six Sigma Process, retainer reduces installation forces without sacrificing removal effort or clamping capability of the joint.Original Press Release:
Emhart Fastening Teknologies Introduces Ergonomic Advancement in Fastening
New Low Insertion Retainer Reduces Installation Effort by 60 Percent with No Impact on Removal Effort or Joint Clamping Capability
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (June 24, 2002) - Emhart Fastening Teknologies today announced the general availability of a new, ergonomically-designed low insertion retainer that reduces
installation effort into sheet metal panels by 60 percent.
Engineered and designed using the Six Sigma Process, the retainer reduces installation forces without sacrificing the removal effort or clamping capability of the joint.
"The development of an ergonomically-designed, low effort retainer is a direct result of listening to our customers and finding innovative engineering solutions to meet their needs," said Randy Gronau, metal fasteners product manager, Automotive Division. "OEMs have been plagued with rising health and safety costs as well as requirements for increased manufacturing/assembly flexibility. Emhart's new low insertion retainer maintains the stringent standards our customers demand while providing them a product that reduces the risk of back injuries and wrist/hand disorders thus lowering health-related costs," he added.
Gronau added that by directly benefiting the health and safety of assembly employees, Emhart's low insertion retainer also results in improved production. "For instance, many liftgate doors on domestic mini vans are assembled overhead meaning that when our fasteners are being used to assemble the trim, workers are reaching up over their heads. Being in this type of position
for any extended period of time could potentially cause neck and back injuries so having an insertion retainer that is easier to install would help them avoid workers' compensation issues while improving employee morale," Gronau said.
Emhart is the leading manufacturer of existing interior trim fasteners on vehicles produced in North America. Emhart's expectation is to replace their widely used "U base" fastener business with the enhanced product on new design vehicle introductions in 2003 and 2004.
In addition, Emhart has received significant interest from its customer base regarding this new product and some current models have switched to this new product and others are likely to
follow, according to Gronau.
"The benefit of this engineering solution to the OEM has already lead us to create additional products that meet their demands. Our customers have indicated their desire to use this fastener
in other non-traditional applications. As a result, we have begun to further enhance the product to allow it to satisfactorily function within higher stress applications," he said.
About Emhart Fastening Teknologies
Headquartered in New Haven, Conn., Emhart Fastening Teknologies is the global leader in the design and creation of unique assembly technologies, from concept through installation.
Emhart's technology-based assembly products and systems are designed to deliver innovative, integrated system solutions to virtually any manufacturing challenge anywhere in the world.
From automotive to construction, from computer to appliances, Emhart serves customers worldwide. A Black & Decker Company, Emhart has annual sales of more than $500 million, with 3,000 employees and 24 operating facilities worldwide. For more information please go to www.emhart.com.
