SHARP DEVELOPMENT RESULTS IN SUCCESSFUL TAURANGA TENDER

Sharp Concepts' advanced industrial design expertise and in-house state-of-the art CAD CAM software has allowed them to develop a highly successful water meter box which will be installed at 35,000 Tauranga residences over the next two years.

Specifically designed utilising Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to allow it a strength advantage over existing available products, the new meter box was introduced to the market place 18 months ago and was an immediate commercial success. Over two thousand units are currently being sold each month, and the product is specified and used by many local authorities throughout New Zealand.

The new meter box was developed by Sharp Concepts on behalf of the established Levin-based water meter and manifold manufacturer, Acuflo Industries Ltd. In December 1999 Acuflo Industries won the tender to supply their meter boxes to Tauranga where the local council has introduced water metering.

According to Acuflo Industries Managing Director, Keith Baker, "The success of our meter box is due to its proven strength. It will take more than a three tonne weight, doesn't compress in the ground, and can stand up to being run over by a truck. This strength advantage is a direct result of the design capabilities provided by Sharp Concepts".

The new meter box design also allows for three height variations, and ensures the materials will withstand extreme temperatures and chemical spills. Patents have also been obtained for features on the combined box and manifold mounting base.

Another added advantage for Acuflo Industries is that the industrial design process identified plastic as the most appropriate material for the meter box to be made from. This allowed Sharp Concepts to have the mouldings manufactured on-site by the plastic moulding division of ES Plastics, which is the only Waikato manufacturer capable of producing such large mouldings.

Sharp Concept's Managing Director, Jeff Sharp says, "We always seek to function as the R & D department of our clients and this is what has happened with Acuflo Industries. We have worked alongside them for seven years and have built up a deep understanding of their business and particular industry."

So if you need that kind of R&D experience, Sharp Concepts can assure you of a sharp result.

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