The Importance of Innovation at Heitkamp & Thumann
Here at H&T, we’re always seeking out the best technologies and using reliable services to plan for sustainable growth. We’re innovators.
Our innovative approach drives change. From products to technology, processes and services — our changes provide new and valuable solutions for our customers.
With over 50 years of experience in the manufacture of deep-drawn components, we’re skilled in using a variety of materials, including aluminium, carbon steel, brass, galfan, monel, nickel-silver and stainless steel.
Our innovation process also includes a commitment to so-called validated learning, i.e. not necessarily wallowing in our errors but making a specific effort to learn from these errors systematically and more quickly than our competitors.
Implementing Attributes of Innovation
Based on research in multiple B2B and B2C firms, we found that there are several attributes that support a culture of innovation. These include a strong focus on your customers, openness to new ideas and effective cross-functional teams. Other factors such as well-defined processes and effective leadership are also ways of strengthening attributes and building on innovation.
If you’d like to find out more about how innovation can drive your business forward then please check out our annual Innovation Magazine (PDF).
Boost Your Competitive Advantage Using Precision Tools
Our in-house precision tool manufacturing and design department makes sure that all of our tools are performing at the highest standard throughout the life of the product. Minimising factors such as tool wear and eliminating breakage will reduce downtime.
Our top priorities are precision and quality, which is why our experienced engineers work with 2D CAD, 3D CAD and CAD connection systems. Every part that we process is created using state-of-the-art technology and equipment. This allows us to accomplish precision tool making that is both innovative and cost-effective.
How Regulations and Price Points Can Lead to Innovation
Using H&T Presspart’s patented Quantum end-of-life indicator as an example, let’s have a closer look at how the development and creation of a product can push the boundaries on innovation.
The Quantum dose indicator is a system which features no mechanical parts. This ensures that the patient has a fail-safe, robust and reliable end-of-life calibration system.
Our disposable dose indicator solution was developed at a low cost and counts every stroke to give the patient a correct reading of how many doses are left in the canister. The indicator is built into the MDI canister and is compatible with current filling and packaging lines.
We have also developed a Quantum mobile app which reminds the patient of dose and prescription refills, as well as a history gallery of previous readings to track their usage.
The gains in process expertise and manufacturing efficiency allowed for an innovative business model. Most dose counter devices require a lot of components, which we delivered at a lower price to be attractive for companies.
Quantum is quick and easy to take to market, with low capital outlay, especially for pharmaceutical manufacturers. It’s applicable to all MDI products, whatever the number of doses, and gives you a competitive advantage in regulated and unregulated markets. The system meets regulatory guidelines, and is patent protected.
What’s coming up in 2021 for H&T?
As a precision engineering company, it’s important for us to continue developing our ideas and strategies for innovation to bring the best quality products for our customers.
Our Chairman of the Presspart division and General Partner of the Heitkamp & Thumann Group, Mr. Schmelzer, talks of our continued drive for innovation in 2021 in our latest magazine.
“We are striving to become a one-stopshop for our customers. We want to grow in the field of inhalation in other sectors as well. We therefore work intensively on the development of a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI). You can certainly expect some innovations in this area in the future”.
Other projects for innovation include looking at where plastic parts can be replaced with metal parts, or looking into parts which are normally too long to be produced using forming technology. We’re always learning.
If there’s any specific substrate you are interested in, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to discuss your requirements based on the materials you wish to use for the manufacture of your components.
