American LaFrance/EDC truck project re-defines the term "time-to-market"

The Condor

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

American LaFrance/EDC truck project re-defines the term "time-to-market"

Cleveland, North Carolina (May 2000)-- Engineered and produced by American LaFrance Corporation, a subsidiary of Freightliner LLC, the Condor is a refuse truck that sets new standards in driver visibility and ergonomics in this highly competitive industry. The Condor project compressed the product development envelope by progressing from basic concept to production in just 13 months.

To supplement organic design resources and engineering capabilities required to meet this goal, American LaFrance enlisted Engineering Design Consultants, Ltd. (EDC), a firm noted for providing diverse engineering services and its ability to bring products to market in record time. "We realized the urgency to get the vehicle designed and introduced to the market by May," remarked EDC's Chief Engineer, Michael Smith. "In today's fast moving economy, if your product is not the first-to-market and the best available, your company may not survive long enough to try again. We know that we must do the job right the first time, while providing exactly what the customer is looking for."

"We have utilized EDC contract engineering services since relocating from Freightliner Corporate Headquarters in 1996," remarked American LaFrance's Director of Operations, John Chadwick, "and have always been pleased with their level of service and support. EDC truly is an extension of the American LaFrance product development team and without their assistance, our ability to meet the aggressive dates established for Condor's product launch would have been in jeopardy."

To meet the tight schedule, EDC placed a facility staffed with engineers and equipment on-site at American LaFrance in Cleveland, NC. In addition to providing cab-in-white development assistance, portions of the electrical system, FEA modeling, and the complete door assembly was designed and developed at EDC's state-of-the-art engineering facility in Portland, Oregon. Through constant monitoring and close communication, the design and prototype build schedules were maintained to successfully meet the product introduction date.

EDC is based in Portland, Oregon and provides a full range of engineering and design services to all sectors of the transportation industry, including automotive, heavy trucks, and heavy industrial vehicles.

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Check out EDC's work on the electrical portion of the Condor and the Condor Door:

Condor-Electrical Press Release

Condor Door Press Release

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