Unlocking In-House Manufacturing Success: Insights from Queen City Engineering & Design

In the latest episode of the "Secrets to Success Podcast," host Phil Mintz talks with Ashley Carriker, and Rex Carriker. Sharing their inspiring story about Queen City Engineering & Design. This husband-and-wife team has successfully established an in-house manufacturing company, transforming how they develop products. Their journey is one of innovation, adaptability, and recognizing new opportunities in a competitive market.

The Birth of In-House Manufacturing

The Carrikers identified a specific need that traditional manufacturing could not address. By bringing manufacturing in-house, they sought to enhance control over their development process. This strategic decision enabled them to streamline operations, cut lead times by 30%, and improve overall product quality.

Implementing in-house manufacturing wasn’t an easy process. It involved careful planning, significant investment in advanced machinery, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The Carrikers understood the importance of being agile and responsive to meet their clients' needs effectively.

Greater Flexibility and Quality Control

One of the most significant benefits of in-house manufacturing is the enhanced flexibility it provides. The Carrikers can now adjust their production processes to cater to specific client requests without the delays usually associated with outsourcing. For instance, they can modify the design of a component for a client within days instead of weeks, which adds direct value to their customer relationships.

Quality control has taken a major step forward as well. By managing the entire manufacturing process, the Carrikers can guarantee that each product meets their high standards. This level of oversight is seldom possible with third-party manufacturers, turning in-house production into a remarkable asset for their business.

Shorter Project Lead Times

In-house manufacturing has significantly cut project lead times for Queen City Engineering and Design. They can now progress from concept to production in as little as two weeks, a drastic improvement compared to the previous timeline of six to eight weeks. This speed is crucial in today’s bustling market, where clients demand fast turnarounds alongside high quality.

Eliminating the need to communicate with external manufacturers allows the Carrikers to focus on their core strengths: designing and engineering innovative solutions. This streamlined approach not only boosts productivity but also enables them to tackle multiple projects at once, effectively tripling their output capacity.

New Business Opportunities

The transition to in-house manufacturing has unlocked a wealth of new business opportunities for Queen City Engineering and Design. With the ability to produce high-quality products efficiently, they can tap into new markets and expand their service offerings. For example, they recently started producing custom parts for a local automotive company, which has opened the door to further partnerships in that sector.

The Carrikers’ story serves as a powerful example for other entrepreneurs. Their experiences shine a light on how with the right strategy and determination, in-house manufacturing can yield significant benefits.

Final Thoughts

The insights shared by Phil Mintz, Ashley Carriker, and Rex Carriker in the "Secrets to Success Podcast" illustrate the transformative impact of in-house manufacturing. By taking control of their production processes, the Carrikers have achieved improved flexibility, enhanced quality, and reduced lead times, all while discovering new business opportunities.

For those in the engineering and design industries, their journey serves as a reminder of the potential for innovation and strategic thinking. As market dynamics continue to change, embracing in-house manufacturing might just be the key to thriving and staying ahead of the competition.

A glimpse into the future of in-house manufacturing