New Facility Provides Customers Hands-On Participation in Designing Their Custom Gravity Flow Solution
Sterling, IL, March 12, 2024 — Mallard Manufacturing, a leader in gravity flow storage solutions, proudly announces the opening of its Innovation Center & Testing Lab. The facility marks a significant milestone in Mallard's commitment to driving precision from manufacturing processes into systems design and operation. The Innovation Center’s simulation testing adds a critical layer to the design process, ensuring the right-fit custom solution for each project.
A highlight of the Innovation Center is the interactive Testing Lab, where customers can engage in real-time with Mallard engineers while their application is tested. Mallard Manufacturing aims to deliver a unique, immersive experience with live-feed simulation testing.
“We expect the lab to run about 200 customer tests in 2024,” says Kevin Risch, President of Mallard Manufacturing. “The two pallet flow lanes and the technology we’ve built into them enable us to meet this ambitious goal. Customers connected in the live stream can ask questions and participate in modifications, eliminating design delays and potential adjustments in the field. We’re excited for the possibilities this extends to our customers.”
Key Deliverables of the Mallard Innovation Center include:
• Live Feed/Customer Interactive Simulation Testing: Customers can actively engage in testing, facilitating faster decision-making and adjustments.
• Improved Testing Capabilities: Two full-size pallet flow lanes, with easy pitch and beam support adjustments, to closely mirror customer rack settings and accurately predict how the system will perform in the field.
• Increased Production Capabilities & Shorter Lead Times: The facility has automated equipment to enhance production speed and capacity to reduce customer lead times..
• Innovative Products & Solutions Development: Aside from testing customer designs, the engineering lab will drive gravity flow product development and innovations.
• High-Quality Sound & Visuals - Multiple camera angles and noise-canceling technology result in clear communication with test engineers. Zoom capabilities spotlight critical details like damaged pallets or components, showcasing their impact on system performance.
The Mallard Engineering Test Lab has been a popular option for customers to use before finalizing orders. Testing is completed with customer-supplied pallets and sample inventory to minimize surprises in the field during installation or operation. The Test Lab records all tests and provides customers with a video and detailed report. The service is a gratis, value-added for Mallard customers.
Mallard Manufacturing invites customers, partners, and industry professionals to explore the Innovation Lab & Testing Center, setting a new standard in gravity flow solutions.
About Mallard Manufacturing
Founded in 1960, Mallard Manufacturing Company is a leading international resource for designing and producing quality engineered gravity flow, pallet flow, and carton flow storage and processing systems. From a single bay of carton flow shelving to deep-lane pallet flow and complex pick modules, Mallard’s team of gravity flow experts develop custom solutions to solve the most demanding material flow challenges. A USA-based company headquartered in Illinois, Mallard’s production facilities can handle gravity flow project requirements of any size and scope.