September 15, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Saline, MI – MMI Engineered Solutions has developed containers for handling components as delicate as eggs and as heavy and valuable as engines. The latest component in need of a better handling container was live bumblebees. MMI ES Component Handling worked with Koppert Biological Systems to produce a better bee box.

Koppert Quality Control was using an injection molded box to ship their bees, but it was an inadequate design with a multiple piece construction. To keep the bees inside, the lower box used a glued and stapled top ring that allowed a lid to snap into place. The fit was loose and the lid often dislodged and fell out of place. The top ring was often warped and allowed bees to escape between the lower box and the lid ring.

The primary goal in redesigning the new bee box was to eliminate all the design flaws associated with the current unit so that the bees would be securely contained. In addition, it was hoped that production costs could be minimized by eliminating many of the required assembly steps.

As with other components, MMI ES first outlined and defined the problems, even addressing the needs of the bees. For instance, the bumble bees that Koppert produces can squeeze through very small cracks, but live bees need ventilation. Taking into consideration that bumble bees can fit through holes as small as .0001”, our engineers developed vents that would were large enough for ventilation, but small enough to prevent the bees from escaping. Additional considerations in developing the concept included the material of the box that would prevent warping and maintain structural stability. Another focus in the design was adding an attached lid with a living hinge that would easily snap into a locked position, providing a lid that would securely hold the bees in place.

Ergonomic improvements included special guide ribs to facilitate sliding the Beehive Bodem into locking position quickly and easily. With the previous box, line operators struggled with this step often times resulting in stings and lost bees. In the new MMI design, the Bodem slides directly into a four way lock allowing operators to quickly and safely install the hive.

The greatest success of the new bee box was the reduction in overall cost. With the original box, two (2) assembly staff were required to build each box. The MMI box arrives to the customer fully assembled and ready to use. Labor hours to fill the boxes with bee hives have been cut by roughly 30%. Overall the customer has reported a nearly 40% reduction in total labor costs associated directly with implementation of the new bee box. MMI ES delivered performance with a bee box that securely houses the bumble bees and reduces costs.

Additionally, Koppert Biological has realized a substantial savings with a local supply of the Bee Box. The prior units were purchased from a European supplier where they were required to purchase and ship whole sea containers, resulting in large inventories and wasted funds. With their supplier just 30 minutes away, they can procure only the product that is required to support its immediate production needs.

Bee Box for Koppert from MMI ES

About MMI ES

MMI Engineered Solutions (MMI ES) is a global leader in designing and manufacturing solutions that improve performance, reduce weight and lower costs in OEM components and material handling applications. A project-oriented materials and engineering resource, MMI ES focuses on the design, tooling and molding of solutions using advanced composites and engineered resins. The MMI ES world-class engineering lab and manufacturing facility in Saline, MI supports OEM product design and manufacturing engineers in diverse industries that include transportation, defense, food processing, alternative energy and medical devices.

Contact:
Dustin Ondovcsik
734-459-5955
dondovcsik@mmi-es.com