Unirac named winner of Managing Automation 2009 Progressive Manufacturing 100 Awards
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO -- April 6, 2009. Unirac Inc., North America’s leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting solutions, is proud to have been selected for the third consecutive year by Managing Automation as one of the 2009 Progressive Manufacturing 100 Award Winners, recognizing organizations whose technology-driven processes drive extraordinary business accomplishments.
Unirac was honored in the category of New Product Development and Time to Market strategy, based on the streamline process of developing RapidRac from prototype to finished product in less than 3 months. The commercial flat roof solution spurred interest at Solar Power 2007 resulting in the product line exceeding 2008 goals for revenue and profitability.
“We are especially delighted to receive this prestigious award for a third consecutive year, as it recognizes our commitment to provide the right products for our customers in a timely manner,” said Douglas May, Unirac CEO. “By working closely with our customers, Unirac recognized the solar industry was quickly moving from smaller residential installations to much larger commercial installations, and we were able to deliver a new solution to meet and exceed their expectations.”
The goal of the RapidRac development process was to engineer a solution for customers not previously available and to greatly enhance the customer’s experience of working with Unirac at every phase of the process, from the earliest contact to post-sales support and service. Once the new design was ready for market introduction, Unirac’s heightened teamwork involved collaboration from Sales and Marketing departments to create demand for the product, and Operations to develop the supply chain, utilizing extensive welding expertise, and volume manufacturing capabilities to produce numbers far surpassing past company records.
Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC, the leading provider of commercial solar energy systems in the northeast, executed one of the largest, roof-top installations in the United States using a custom version of RapidRac for a 1.8 MW array. The laminate module solution, featuring a brand new racking design, was the result of a direct collaboration between Vanguard’s extensive field experience and Unirac’s ability to meet customer requirements.
“We congratulate the Unirac team for a job well done,” said Peter Osowski, Vice President of Vanguard. “Unirac’s focus on our requirements and processes led to a significant decrease in installation time at a value incomparable to competitive offerings.”
Unirac’s outstanding achievements and innovative business practices will be recognized by peers, partners, and suppliers in the manufacturing community at the 2009 Progressive Manufacturing Awards Gala at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, FL on June 11.
“The projects that enabled these companies to become PM100 winners reflect great creativity and inventiveness, a determined willingness to take risk, and an enduring resilience to continually improve every aspect of their business. These companies are leading the way to a better future for all industry,” said David R. Brousell, Editor-in-Chief of Managing Automation Media.
About Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC
Vanguard designs, integrates and installs renewable energy systems with a focus on solar photovoltaic and thermal while providing creative alternatives to conventional energy systems. Vanguard takes advantage of renewable resources that enable clean and environmentally friendly energy production. Companies benefit from the most technologically advanced solar power equipment giving you the highest levels of efficiency, reliability and return on investment.
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