Applying New Technology and New Thinking for Dramatic Returns

E-ONE is a worldwide designer and manufacturer of fire rescue vehicles. They provide state-of-the-art equipment that is recognized for its superior capabilities. Headquartered in Ocala, Florida, E-ONE (www.e-one.com) is the industry leader in product innovations, new technologies, and exceeding their customers’ expectations. Innovation has long been the company’s driving force and continues to be the impetus behind their pursuit of new technologies to answer today’s demands.

As could well be imagined, there are many parts on any fire rescue vehicle that need to be measured and inspected during the manufacturing process. To measure this collection of parts, E-ONE used an assortment of hand tools including micrometers, digital and dial calipers, dial indicators, precision rules and straightedges, and even the basic tape measure. These hand tools, however, resulted in their own set of problems.

E-ONE considered several options to resolve their measurement needs. The first option was to do nothing and continue to absorb the inherent rework cost of their existing process. Another option was to go with dedicated inspection fixtures. These, however, have their own cost factors and do not offer any real flexibility. Another solution was to go with a portable CMM, an articulating measurement arm.

After considering different measurement arms, E-ONE decided on the FARO Laser ScanArm®. Their decision was based on the demonstration they saw of the product and its technology. The Laser ScanArm combines the contact measurement ability of the FaroArm® Fusion with the non-contact scanning ability of the Laser Line Probe attachment. With CAM2® and Geomagic® software, E-ONE is able to complete inspections and create reports in one easy process. The combination allows them to reverse engineer several parts and better define needed requirements.

“The ScanArm allows incoming inspection sampling and immediate response (root cause) to part or fit up issues,” said James Musick, Quality Administrator at E-ONE. “This changes us from a completely reactive culture to a proactive one with the ability to immediately identify and correct root cause problems.”

E-ONE combines proven capability, reliability, and durability with innovations that transform fire rescue efforts. By applying new technology like the FARO Laser ScanArm and new thinking, E-ONE is bringing about change and finding better ways to protect the people and the industry they serve.

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Manufacturing Touts One Year of Growth

For a while now we have been highlighting the successes of various manufacturing companies and their suppliers. Amidst the caution still out there, it seems as though the continuous growth of the nation's manufacturing sector might really be a positive sign for our economy. For a solid year now, the manufacturing sector has seen continued growth and more companies now say they are ready to hire.


While the growth has slowed over the past few months, measures of production and new orders are still growing which signals future business. The industry experienced strong growth last year because companies were restocking after the recession. Although manufacturing only accounts for about a fifth of our economic activity, it is still good to hear that sustained growth is occurring in an otherwise down economy. 


"The July report suggests that manufacturing will grow for the rest of the year, and more quickly than the broader economy, said Dan Meckstroth, chief economists for the Manufacturers Alliances/MAPI, an industry association," reported the AP. This doesn't mean a necessary creation of new jobs, though, as manufacturing companies continue to invest more money on processes than people.


Investment in technology to help companies grow when customers are spending less is still important at this point in time. Companies need to continue to lean out their processes and become more efficient not only to do more with less but prepare for the continued growth but limitation of additional staff.


Learn more about technology to help create efficiencies in manufacturing.
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