Elkhart Plastics

www.elkhartplastics.com

Elkhart Plastics Incorporated (EPI) is a manufacturer of high quality, reasonably priced rotationally molded plastic products. These products include items for OEM’s in the marine, recreational vehicle, and chemical industries as well as other industrial and commercial clients. The greatest portion of their manufacturing effort goes into molding pontoon furniture, benches, live wells, water holding tanks, plastic pallets, and container units for agricultural products. EPI has considerable experience in rotomolding using state-of-the-art equipment like independent arm carousel and rock and roll machinery. Moreover, they offer their clients the advantages of in-house engineering and tool manufacturing. EPI carefully listens to the customer so that they can understand their needs. They also analyze the customer’s product performance requirements and specifications. Then they apply all their creativity and expertise in developing a solution. Since its inception in 1988, EPI has grown because it provides a superior level of customer service to complement the quality of their products.

An important contribution to EPI’s success began in March 1999 with their implementation of seven modules (WS, Order, Route, Machine, BOM, Cost, and Plan) of ALERE Manufacturing. Material Manager Mark Szabo particularly likes the flexibility that the Plan Module offers him in calculating all his material requirements. Since the Plan Module operates on rules set by the user, material requirements can be calculated, compared to what is available in stock, and the appropriate purchase orders and/or work orders generated to meet the demand. Mark can run plan for zero stock levels when shop capacity is tight and sales order shipping dates are fast approaching. Then when the shop capacity permits, he can run plan for safety stock to build up inventory to a predetermined level. Mark really appreciates the efficiency that WorkShop has brought to his material planning. Mark also commented that “(TIW’s) support of the product is good and the Technical Seminar is very helpful”.

EPI endeavors to excel in the products they make and in the service they offer. ALERE Manufacturing is a valuable tool in helping them realize their goals.