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Company Establishes Technology Task Force

Shana Leonard

A company specializing in plastics and rubber manufacturing has launched a Technology Task Force. Aimed at keeping the firm on the cutting edge, the task force will focus on researching new technologies and modifying them to enhance the firm's capabilities when applicable.

The task force surfaced as one of the first measures resulting from a merger that united Hi-Tech Rubber, A.C. Hoffman Engineering, and Inland Technologies under the umbrella of The Hi-Tech Group (Anaheim, CA). Comprised of representatives from each of the three companies, the task force runs the gamut in such areas of expertise as tool design, process engineering, manufacturing, material formulation, operational systems, and product quality assurance.

"As a manufacturer, the only way to compete in a highly competitive marketplace is to consistently deliver the highest quality products and services in the shortest period of time and in the most cost-effective manner," says Tom Jenkins, task force chairman and president of A.C. Hoffman Engineering. "That is why it is important to invest in the development and implementation of the latest technology available today."

In order to familiarize itself with the latest technology, the group plans to attend engineering forums and new technology seminars, according to the company. Furthermore, the team hopes to glean valuable information from presentations by its own vendors and suppliers. And it will pay close attention to the needs of its customers as well, says the firm.

Subsequently, the squad anticipates that the emphasis on technology research and adaptability will ultimately benefit customers. "Each product we produce for our customers has its own set of manufacturing needs and challenges, whether it is molded with plastics or rubber compounds," says Steve Herman, task force member and operations manager of A.C. Hoffman Engineering. "It is important for us, as task force members, to identify every available technology and assess whether it will be a cost-effective solution in each case."

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