Huhtamaki

Huhtamaki was always one of my favorite places to get called to when I worked at Heubel Material Handling. My job was to diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic problems with forklifts. So, I saw the operation from a completely different point of view, but was intrigued and would take extended breaks to walk through the production area and just watch everything that was going on.

Another amazingly clean environment for production. Granted paper isn't necessarily dirty, but if not kept in check, the whole place could get out of hand rather quickly considering all of the ancillary mechanical processes that are occuring in conjunction with production of the paper products. The food safe standards obviously have a big part to play in the cleanliness of the place.

It would have been cool to see the design process of a cup or a container and how all of the folds and rounded tops are taken into account.

Materials: Cardboard, glue, plastic, foam.

Processes: die cutting, printing, folding, 

Lawrence Paper Company

Lawrence Paper Company was a very interesting tour. It reminded me a lot of my time on the USS Georgia working in the engine room. The atmosphere was similar, very industrial and clean. They were both incredibly efficient at the tasks they set out to perform. It was amazing to see how quickly 3 huge rolls of paper were turned into corrugated boxing material. I was also surprised to find out how much the type of wood plays a part in the kind of ox it is most suitable for.

Materials: Paper, lots and lots of paper. Glue, ink.

Processes: Folding, Cutting, Gluing, CNC, recycling, printing,

Grip Equipment

Justin Atwater Taylor was inspiring to have come in and speak about his accomplishments with his disc golf bag. It was really interesting to see where the bag began and how he molded it into what it is now. The way he identified and exploited a major need in such a niche market is pretty incredible.

Dimensional Innovation

From innovative in house products and projects to interactive displays and static displays for big name clients, DI does just about everything.

They use a wide range of materials including, carbon fiber, acrylic, plastic, steel, aluminum, bronze, brass, glass, and corian.

Their processes of manufacture include, welding, adhesion, cutting, bending, planing, drilling, molding, extruding, shaping.

A House Contained

This house was a really cool glimpse into the realm of unique considered architecture. A blend of Industrial Design and Architecture, the house is made of shipping containers. Although they are not reused containers, it serves as a model for what can be accomplished if such design elements were used.

Old shipping containers could be reused and made into low income affordable housing for example.