Original Date: 07/14/1997
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Thermacore is transitioning from a small-volume, batch manufacturer to a high-volume, production facility. Presently, the company produces a wide variety of products in varying volumes. Typical product life cycles range from six months to six years. However, recent interest in the marketplace has encouraged Thermacore to apply forward thinking techniques to its manufacturing operations. The company is now focusing on quick responses to market demands, and striving to improve quality and reduce cost. A master plan has also been developed which enables the company to maintain its flexibility and meet its internal growth goals.

A key element of Thermacore’s forward thinking strategy is the development of functional teams. Each team consists of research and development, application engineering, and sales personnel. The team works with customers to solve their thermal management problems, has the freedom to expand and fill any necessary voids in the product line, and is authorized to make decisions for completing the project. Based on Thermacore’s overall goals and objectives, the team reviews market requirements, and methodically applies the company’s products and expertise in that direction.

Thermacore’s forward thinking philosophy has been very effective for its manufacturing operations. Since implementing this approach, Thermacore has reduced the cost and improved the quality of its products by many orders of magnitude. Additionally, forward thinking techniques have allowed the company to accommodate overnight orders, improve its response time to customers, and increase employee enthusiasm, which enable Thermacore to be a major competitor in the heat pipe technology and thermal management markets.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.