Manufacturers are a restless bunch. We’re constantly looking for better ways to make things, ways that are faster and more efficient. Ways to make better products with less waste and fewer defects. Enter Industry 4.0, the new wave of manufacturing. Industry 4.0 combines the digital and the physical, using huge amounts of historic and real-time … Continue reading Industry 4.0: The Benefits of Smart Manufacturing
You have a new product and it’s awesome. Your grandma thinks it’s great, your mom and dad love it. You’ve done your market research and you’re ready to sell your product right now—just put it out there and sell, sell, sell. But you have a third-party marketing group that says, “Wait a minute. We can … Continue reading Direct Sales: Is it Right for You?
Like many entrepreneurs, you may start out wanting to manufacture your product in the US. But due to cost and other factors, that may not be practical. China is a good option for its low production costs and manufacturing expertise. It offers several advantages: a large workforce factories clustered in geographic areas that specialize in … Continue reading Manufacturing in China? Several Considerations and One Essential
When you’ve succeed in manufacturing your invention and doing all the necessary research to make sure your product will be a hit, it’s time to find some distribution channels. Your goal is to find as many distribution channels as possible that fit your brand to let your customer interface with, learn more about, and (hopefully) … Continue reading 6 Outlets to Sell Your Product
GOLDSTON, NC – Alotech, Inc., a contract manufacturer that provides US inventors, entrepreneurs and product marketeers the ability to create unique, innovative processes and designs with a laser focus on the customer’s return on investment, received the NCMEP 2019 Manufacturing Leadership Award for Innovation on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at mfgCON 2019 in Winston-Salem, NC. … Continue reading Alotech, Inc. Announced as the NCMEP Manufacturing Leadership Award Winner in the Area of Innovation
3D printing is one of the latest and most innovative technological developments in the manufacturing industry today. It is taking the world by storm and even replacing traditional manufacturing processes in some areas. Historically, manufacturing starts with a pre-formed mold to make an object. Alternatively, it can start with a solid object whose shape is … Continue reading 3D Printing The Way To the Future
Most people never really think about the machines and man hours that go into manufacturing the products that seem to magically appear at the local supermarket or big box store. But the challenge every manufacturer faces is how to reach the end goal of providing high quality consumer goods… while keeping costs at a reasonable … Continue reading Manufacturing Methods: Which Is Right for You?
So you’ve come up with a novel idea or method… and filed the appropriate patent or trademark applications. Maybe you’re waiting for the USPTO to grant your application, or you’ve already received a the red-ribbon stamped package from the government granting you a U.S. patent or trademark. Congrats! You’ve now got a tangible piece of … Continue reading 15 Landmines To Avoid When Licensing
When you’re breaking into big box stores, you’re worried about getting your foot into the door and getting a meeting with a buyer. But what happens once you’ve written your proposal, generated some press about your product, caught the attention of a buyer and set up a meeting? What are the next steps? New vendors … Continue reading 5 Tips for Selling to a Buyer
Navigating the Manufacturing of Your New Product was originally published on Industry Today’s website. When you have a cutting-edge invention, you need to understand market research, prototyping and building a business case when considering manufacturing your product. Many inventors fail to remain objective. And, they don’t ask for help through the process. To take your bias … Continue reading Navigating the Manufacturing of Your New Product
Finding the right licensing partner can be beneficial to both you, as the inventor, and the company you’re working to license with. You can gain access to your licensing partner’s capital, manufacturing contacts, distribution outlets and more to bring your product to market. Your licensing partner can tap into your creativity and gain an edge … Continue reading 5 Ways To Find the Right Licensing Partner
A typical product invention business case, which is what we like to call what we are doing with developing products and helping inventors develop products, is really centered around two major things. First, what is the pain the invention will solve, and second, how do we identify how much the pain is costing the consumer who … Continue reading Building a Product Invention Business Case
For an inventor, getting your product on the shelves of a Walmart, Target, Best Buy and other mass merchants is an attractive idea. While selling in a big-box store isn’t necessarily the right route for everyone and every business, getting your product on their shelves can put you on a fast-track to commercialization and becoming … Continue reading Breaking into Big-Box Stores
You’ve come up with an idea that’s great, will solve a problem for a lot of people and– you believe– will make you rich. Now, it’s time to bring that idea to life; but, how do you do it? You’ve got a few options to consider. First, you can start your own company, manufacture yourself … Continue reading Deciding to License, Manufacture or Both
Prototype. Proof of concept. Production. Pilot. What does it all mean? Before having a full-blown product, there’s a process you have to go through to make sure your technical and functional aspects actually work and that there’s even a general interest in your product. The ideal path to help mitigate risk, refine the scope and cut … Continue reading The Inventor’s Process to Production
An ODM, or original design manufacturer, is a company that designs and manufactures a product that is eventually re-branded and sold by a different company. This model is frequently used in international trade. A local ODM will produce goods for a foreign company; this choice is usually made in response to some kind of advantage, … Continue reading ODM Manufacturing: Do You Know What it Is?
In a traditional sense, the original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, is a broad term used to describe the web of relationships that go into manufacturing. It’s a company whose goods are used as components in the products of another company, which then sells the finished item to users. The company purchasing from the OEM is … Continue reading Understanding the Web of OEM Relationships
Looking for funding to get your invention off the ground can be a tough process; so, why make it any tougher on yourself? It’s not always financially feasible for inventors to fund the entire process themselves– outside funds can be critical for development. Angel investors are an option, but they can be difficult to get … Continue reading Approaching Venture Capital Firms: 5 White Lies to Avoid
Licensing an invention is about profiting while minimizing the personal risk and commitment. While there is less risk for the inventor, there are a few trade-offs you make when you decide to license. 1. You’ll Only Receive Royalties In exchange for the rights to produce your intellectual property, the licensee will pay you a share … Continue reading 4 Trade-Offs You Make by Licensing
Raising funds is a great accomplishment for any inventor, but it can be taken too far. Like all elements of life, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. 1. It Will Keep You From Running Lean When you start out inventing, you have to be very creative to get your company off … Continue reading 4 Risks of Too Much Money Too Soon
When you’re applying for a patent, there’s two main types you should be familiar with: a utility patent and a design patent. Determining which patent applies to your invention can be confusing but it’s a crucial part to receiving adequate protection for your ideas and inventions. While a utility patent is by far the most … Continue reading Utility Patent or Design Patent?
So– you’ve got a great idea, you think it can develop into a useful product and you feel like the market is ready for you to share. You’ve possibly even imagined a catchy name and packaging to go along with your new idea. But are you really ready? There’s more than meets the eye when … Continue reading 4 Questions to Keep in Mind While Inventing
This article originally appeared in Inventor’s Digest on September 12, 2017 as “The Keys of Prototyping“. The key value in prototyping to the best of your ability– meaning where it looks, feels and operates as close to what you would release into the market– is very important when planning to visit investors, manufacturers or licensing … Continue reading The Value of Prototyping
Places like China, Taiwan, or India may seem very attractive with their low costs of manufacturing thanks to low cost of labor. It can seem easy to send your product to be manufactured in another country and reap the rewards of higher profit margins. However, there are several reasons for manufacturing onshore– or, manufacturing at … Continue reading Made in America: Manufacturing Onshore In The US Still Makes Sense
Is traditional funding limiting your ability to raise the necessary cash to bring your idea to life? Let’s explore some alternative funding options. The most top-of-mind resource might be traditional banking, and if your finances are good enough for you to borrow money, this might be the right avenue for you. However, it can prove … Continue reading Alternative Funding and the Benefits
Many people can– and do– make millions from inventing, but it can be a long road from idea to invention, and you have to be prepared to make that journey. So, what is the difference between an idea and an invention? An idea is an unproven concept that comes from your imagination; it’s a lightbulb … Continue reading Idea Versus Invention
American culture is replete with countless stories of inventors who dreamed up new products and made handsome fortunes. In reality, most inventions do not meet with commercial success—even if they are potentially great products. Carrying a product from concept to prototype to mass production is an infinitely complex process, fraught with difficulties and challenges at … Continue reading RESOURCES FOR INVENTORS: Building a Team for Success
Overview URise Products developed the StandUp Walker, an innovative device designed to improve independence and quality of life for people suffering from mobility challenges. The StandUp Walker is a 2-in-1 device, providing the functionality of a standard walker while also helping the user lift themselves from a seated position. The device eliminates the need for … Continue reading URise Case Study: When Form Meets Function, You Can Rise To Meet Any Challenge (Medical Device Contract Manufacturer)
Inventors Digest Guest article written by Tommy Kirk, chief operating officer of Goldston, N.C.-based Alotech Deciding whether to look for someone to invest in your new product does not have to be daunting or overwhelming. As with anything, take the time to do your homework, and you will reap the benefits. An inventor should keep in mind … Continue reading Inventors Digest: SEEKING AN INVESTOR? 5 POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND
Many inventors put great effort into developing superior and ingenious products, but fail to build successful businesses from their creations. Many different factors come into play when taking a new product to the market, but one single root cause can perhaps explain most commercial successes and failures: the use of capital. Capital and Obsolescence Obsolescence … Continue reading An Inventor’s Most Efficient Use of Capital is Through Outsourcing
“There are around 1.5 million patents in effect and in force in this country, and of those, maybe 3,000 are commercially viable.” – Richard Maulsby, director of the Office of Public Affairs for the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Inventors tend to exhibit excessive optimism when it comes to the market viability of their inventions. … Continue reading Independent, Unbiased Third-Party Market Research Is Essential for Product Inventors
Determining opportunities for collaboration between Alotech as a contract manufacturer and you as a product inventor or marketeer is more than a yes or no response to a series of questions. What determines the right fit for contract manufacturing? If you have already developed a provisional patent and need coaching to bring the product to market, … Continue reading Does Alotech fit your new product invention and contract manufacturer needs like a glove?
Overview XelAqua’s technology saves money and liability by providing a comprehensive solution using technology to treat site-runoff, process, cooling and waste-water. Utilizing their Magnetic Ballast Clarification water purification system, water supplies and contaminated water are rapidly and efficiently separated and clarified by removing particulates. XelAqua has a competitive advantage over other companies, as the size of the equipment is twelve … Continue reading XelAqua Case Study: When Clarity Meets Scalability You Can Change the World (Water Purification System Contract Manufacturer)
My name is Brad Lienhart and I am co-founder of EntreDot. We are a coaching or mentoring organization located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. As a non-profit, we focus mostly on Main Street Business entrepreneurs who want to start a product(s) or services business or if they are a little more mature we help … Continue reading MADE IN AMERICA: I want to see more products made in America
COO of Alotech, Inc., Gold sponsor and exhibitor at the second annual mfgCON conference, will speak on “Funding Growth with Inventory and Contract Manufacturing.” GREENSBORO, N.C. – Tommy Kirk, COO of Alotech, Inc. has been chosen to speak at this year’s mfgCON conference on October 18, 2016 at 1:15 p.m. The topic will be “Funding … Continue reading Tommy Kirk, COO of Alotech, Inc. has been chosen to speak at mfgCON 2016
Alotech, Inc.® to be Featured on Manufacturing Marvels® GOLDSTON, N.C. – Alotech, Inc.®, a contract manufacturer located in Goldston, N.C. has announced the company will be presented in an upcoming production of Manufacturing Marvels®, airing on The FOX Business Network® on October 3, 2016 at 8:30 p.m. CST. Produced by award winning producers Bob and … Continue reading Alotech, Inc.® to be on FOX Business Network®
Overview VertiMax has created a patented jump training technology specifically designed to increase power in all phases of the vertical jump. By simultaneously targeting explosive leg power and arm swing velocity, athletes can maximize vertical lift and get unmatched vertical gains. VertiMax offers the only speed training technology that can apply resistance to the glutes, … Continue reading VertiMax Case Study: When Resistance Meets Performance, You Can Go Further, Faster, Higher (Sports Equipment Contract Manufacturer)
Overview Exhale Fully, a North Carolina company, developed the Easy Breather Exercise Table to help patients with COPD improve their breathing. The device offers a gravity-powered approach to improve ventilation while helping to clean the lungs. The movement of the patient and table forces air out of the lungs, which is often difficult for patients … Continue reading Exhale Fully Case Study: When Mechanics Meets Ingenuity, You Can Breathe Easier (Medical Devices Contract Manufacturer)
To be sure a contract manufacturer suits all of your needs, and your valuable resources and bottom line are protected, make sure you interview them and visit several times first. Since all contract manufacturers operate by different philosophies, it is best to prepare yourself with some good questions before you make a critical decision to … Continue reading Top Ten Questions to ask a Contract Manufacturer
“Goldston based Alotech celebrates expansion” by Mike Gates, Chatham News/Record, March 26, 2015. Goldston-based Alotech celebrated its recently expanded frontiers with an open house last Wednesday, which included a tour of its 208,000 square-foot facility. …..the highest praise came from NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who attended the open house. “I think I’m at … Continue reading Alotech – Most Important Meeting in NC
VertiMax Raptor Revolutionary Training with Portable Indoor/Outdoor Resistance Developed and sold by VertiMax, the world leader in athletic training systems.
NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall gave an excellent presentation at our open house on March 18. The event was held to celebrate our expansion in Goldston, NC and our new manufacturing & export program of VertiMax athletic training systems to China. Over 40 local & state dignitaries and economic development representatives were in attendance. … Continue reading NC Secretary of State celebrates with Alotech
Another area within Alotech
A west coast weapons manufacturer is relocating it’s operations to North Carolina. The customer had a requirement to outsource hand guards for it’s match-quality AR rifle but they did not have any drawings of the part. Alotech used its 3-D scanner to capture every detail of a sample hand guard, with a precision of less … Continue reading Case Study: Reverse Engineering – Serving Customer Needs
Alotech is honored to have been selected by to fabricate water treatment systems for harvested rainwater applications. The most recent project involved a skid-mounted system to be installed at a facility
Alotech Family Day was a great success this year. On July 1st, employees and their family members enjoyed a great meal of pulled pork BBQ and roasted chickens – hats off to Tommy and his team for the all night hog cooking! Over 100 of the Alotech family enjoyed great food, fellowship and games. Especially … Continue reading July 4th Family Day at Alotech
To meet our expanding business, Alotech is seeking outstanding candidates for the positions of Automation Technician and Machinist. These are full-time positions with benefits to include health, life and disability insurance, PTO and holidays. To learn more about these opportunities, visit www.alotechinc.com/contact-us/careers/
Alotech has been selected by a major air tool manufacturer to design and fabricate a conveyor assembly line with multiple overhead tool and power connections. Our engineers designed the line to allow its fabrication to take place at our Sanford facility then installed in segments at the air tool plant. This work combines our capabilities … Continue reading Alotech Builds Assembly Line
Gov. Pat McCrory was in town Thursday night, along with the leaders of the state’s community college and public school systems, to congratulate a handful of local high school students. Included in the group was Jimmy Kirik, son of Alotech engineer Rich Kirik. The eight teenagers who were honored are the first graduating class from … Continue reading NC Governor salutes son of Alotech engineer
Alotech is now providing 3D scanning and reverse engineering to Vernonscope, a manufacturer of astronomical accessories since 1958. Now located in Raleigh, NC, Vernonscope is expanding their product line and has selected Alotech to provide new product development services.
Alotech participated in an Aerospace and STEM roundtable discussion with Congressman George Holding on May 2nd. Francis Chester joined 18 members from academia, government and industry at Lord Corporation’s global HQ in Cary, NC to discuss the need for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) education to prepare the work force for advanced manufacturing techniques.
Francis Chester, V.P. of Alotech, Inc., a contract manufacturing company in Sanford, NC, has been elected to the board of directors of the Sandhills Military Council (SMC). The purpose of the SMC is to connect citizens of the Sandhills region to the military in a unified effort. Members of the SMC consist of individuals and … Continue reading Alotech VP elected to Sandhills Military Council
Alotech has completed the rebuild of a large Humanitarian De-Mining Device. The scope of work involved manufacturing two new rotary “combs” each designed to carry six plow blades to unearth anti-personnel mines. More than 75 countries are affected to some degree by landmines and/or unexploded ordnance. More than 350 different types of antipersonnel mines exist. … Continue reading Case Study: Alotech completes rebuild of Humanitarian De-Mining Equipment
The entry of advanced heavy truck powertrain systems to comply with new emission regulations will drive revenue for the North American remanufactured replacement components market to $3.5 billion by 2019 (Frost & Sullivan). Alotech is excited to be part of this growth as it is the sole processor of remanufactured clutch parts in North America … Continue reading Remanufacture of Heavy Truck Driveline Components Market to Grow to $3.5 Billion by 2019.
A Fortune 500 company turned to Alotech to design and build an innovative lifting device to maneuver a heavy component during the assembly of tracked construction equipment. The device was fabricated, load tested and powder-coated ready for delivery one week after approval of design. This is another example of Alotech’s ability to apply its engineering … Continue reading Case Study: Alotech Designs & Builds Innovative Lifting Device
While a broad range of products and product components can be successfully remanufactured, we at Alotech specialize in remanufacturing powertrain components for heavy commercial vehicles including construction equipment, large cargo trucks, trains, and more. Alotech Delivers Powertrain Remanufacturing for Commercial and Industrial OEM Clients Remanufacturing involves complete disassembly of product cores followed by cleaning, component … Continue reading Powertrain Remanufacturing
At Alotech, we continue to be a leader of the remanufacturing industry. We take pride in being at the forefront of global remanufacturing efforts. We specialize in offering outsourced remanufacturing services to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Alotech is Your Trusted Source for Remanufacturing of Industrial Machinery Components and Heavy Commercial Vehicle Component Remanufacturing As opposed … Continue reading OEM Remanufacturing
Alotech was one of two NC companies invited to meet with Ambassador Dr. Tebelelo Seretse and Military Liaison of Botswana, Colonel Bruce Thobane during the delegation’s visit to the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center last week. Francis Chester, VP of Sales and Marketing for Alotech presented options for water purification solutions for military and civil … Continue reading Alotech briefs government and military delegation from Botswana
Susan Cribbs has served as Alotech
Alotech completes fabrication of assembly that will be part of equipment used to remove anti-personnel mines. It is believed 60 to 70 million mines are in place around the world. Just a handful of mines
Alotech automation specialists were tasked to design and build a testing system for a heavy truck drivetrain component. This proprietary system will be an additional quality control improvement and will allow our customer to improve yield on remanufactured assemblies. The system is currently undergoing testing at Alotech’s Sanford NC facility prior to installation at the … Continue reading Case Study: Truck Component Testing
Alotech was asked to prepare a solution for a customer who was experiencing a problem with cell wrap tooling. Each time the customer introduced a new product, new cello wrap tooling was required. This tooling had an 8 week delivery time and did not work without modification in 80% of the cases.
Innovative Remanufacturing Solutions Alotech takes pride in finding ways to improve our customer
Increased Remanufacturing Profit One of Alotech’s key customers was experiencing low yields on its remanufactured product line because parts were being discarded because of cosmetic defects. To maintain production of its remanufactured assemblies, the customer was using a high percentage of new components, resulting in a profit margin of less than 9%. Alotech
We wish all our team members and customers a Happy Thanksgiving. We give thanks to God that we live in a country where we are free to worship. We thank the members of our military, past and present, for fighting to preserve our rights. We are thankful for the opportunity to work and serve our … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving
Alotech is pleased to announce it has passed its annual ISO 9001:2008 Surveillance Audit. In addition, our Goldston Facility is now covered under Alotech
Alotech was one of sixteen organizations represented at a round table discussion with Congresswoman Ellmers on November 7th, 2013. Francis Chester, VP of Alotech, joined General Dan McNeill (US Army, retired) of The Logistics Company, LTC Tom Ryan and David Christ, of the Army Research Office, and others at the NCDBA office in Fayetteville, NC. … Continue reading Congresswoman Ellmers Defense Industry Meeting
LTG Joseph Anderson, Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, invited Sanford-based defense contractor and manufacturer Alotech to be one of 26 organizations to attend the Leadership Bragg event on Monday, 4 NOV 13. Francis Chester represented Alotech during the all-day event that included: a group breakfast with senior leaders; a XVIII Airborne Corps … Continue reading Leadership Bragg
Jimmy Kirik, the son of Alotech’s production manager Rich Kirik, was featured in a recent front-page Sanford Herald article. Jimmy is a local high school senior and a pioneer in the two-year Caterpillar Youth Apprentice Program in welding. At the conclusion of this course, Jimmy will have earned a high school diploma, Basic Welding Certificate, … Continue reading Caterpillar Youth Apprentice Program – Welding
Alotech was well represented at the recent SolidWorks 2014 Launch Event at Research Triangle Park with five of our staff present for the one day workshop. Ron Weavil and his team from ModernTech did a great job introducing the many features of the new SolidWorks version. Alotech is able to combine the applications of SolidWorks … Continue reading Solid Works 2014
Francis Chester, VP, Sales & Marketing, Alotech was elected to the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Defense Business Association (NCDBA) during their annual membership meeting in Fayetteville NC on 19 June 2013. The NCDBA represents over 75,000 NC employees in 240 businesses. The NCDBA provides members with information, connections, and networking opportunities to … Continue reading Francis Chester, VP Elected to Board of Directors for NCDBA
Alotech was a featured exhibitor at the 2013 North Carolina Aerospace Supplier Conference in Winston-Salem, NC on August 15, 2013. This conference was co-hosted by Senator Richard Burr, the North Carolina Aerospace Alliance (NCAA), the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) and the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Alotech was awarded a five-year contract in … Continue reading Alotech Featured at the 2013 NC Aerospace Supplier Conference
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