Research Reports from the Department of Operations
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
3-1-1990
Abstract
This paper details the Lincoln Electric Company’s strategic initiative to enter the ODP (open drip proof) motor market with their new Signature Series during the 1990s. Faced with stagnant sales of their TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) motors, Lincoln invested over $10 million in advanced automation and vertical integration to produce high-quality ODP motors. The project emphasized in-house manufacturing, rigorous quality control, and innovative product design, resulting in a unique five-year warranty. Despite challenges such as cost overruns and delays, Lincoln views the project as a learning opportunity, demonstrating their commitment to integrating human resources with state-of-the-art technology for long-term success.
Keywords
Operations research, Lincoln Electric Company, Electric motors--Design and construction, Electric motors--Reliability, Manufacturing processes--Automation, Vertical integration, Product management, Industrial management--Technological innovations
Publication Title
Automation Forum ; Technical Memorandums from the Department of Operations, School of Management, Case Western Reserve University
Issue
Technical memorandum no. 682
Rights
This work is in the public domain and may be freely downloaded for personal or academic use
Recommended Citation
Flowers, A. Dale and Co, Henry C., "Beginning a voyage : the Lincoln Electric Company (Cleveland, Ohio) automation forum plant study" (1990). Research Reports from the Department of Operations. 56.
https://commons.case.edu/wsom-ops-reports/56
