Monthly Archives: January 2009

VTM – Retrofitting Trucks for Hybrid Energy Drive

Posted on January 18, 2009 | 1 Comment

Everyone knew that it had to happen, but gasoline is on the rise again.  As you probably have realized, I am not in the group of people that think you should necessarily buy something new to get the newest features.  There are ways to retrofit existing vehicles and reduce emissions.

VTM ,or Variable Torque Motors, LLC produces retrofit kits to convert existing trucks to hybrid vehicles.  This to me still seems like a better route and more green than buying a new car to get better fuel mileage.  Why not convert  an existing vehicle?

 Other series of retrofit kits for motors are for electric only carts and ATVs.   How cool would it be to increase the amount of time you can spend out four wheeling,  while reducing the amount of emissions you produce? 

More manufacturers need to think of ways that they can provide products people need while not breaking their wallets.  If you think in these terms, we have more than enough capacity in the US to build the conversion kits necessary to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Brad

http://www.virtexassembly.com

 

 

http://www.variabletorquemotors.com/

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Recycline – Making a Difference You Can Afford

Posted on January 5, 2009 | Leave a comment

Over the holidays, I saw a Reuters article about a company called Recycline, a thirteen year old Massachusetts company that makes toothbrushes, bowls and other kitchen products from reused plastics.  Recycline has standardized on No. 5 plastic,  a plastic not  commonly taken by recyclers that is used is yogurt and other food containers. 

To get this plastics they rely on unconventional sources, many times coming from supplier partners who could not otherwise readily find recycling outlets for their products.   One such partner is for Stoneyfield Farms, who sends then containers collected so that they can be reused.  Austin based retailer Whole Foods is also looking to start collection bins for No. 5 plastic so that they can be sent to Recycline for processing.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Recycline’s products is that they cost no more than products made from conventional sources.  This is the goal of all re-manufactured products, to be able to offer products at a comparable cost while providing a positive impact on the environment.  They do this through focusing on their core competencies, sales marketing and product development.  Design and marketing are done through outsourcing..

Manufacturing has become a business of specialties, which bring economies of scale  to their customers.  In my opinion, this continues to be the model that is most sustainable for many companies.  EMS and ODM companies have become the means by which start-up companies and established OEMs design and manufacture electronic products. Our customers rely on VirTex for electronic design, manufacturing, fulfillment and logistics so they can focus on what they do best. 

Other industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals and now recycled plastic products follow the same model.   As manufacturers continue to feel the effects of the economic recession, outsourced manufacturing will continue to be an option for entrepenuers who still have vision and determination.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Environment, Green Manunfacturing, Lean Manufacturing