CLIENT: Jenn-Air, Division of Maytag’s Diversified Products Group // PRODUCT: Mixers, Blenders and Toasters
NPI SERVICES: Product Development, Manufacturing Consulting, Manufacturing
The Opportunity
When Jenn-Air had the idea to create mixers, blenders and toasters that would actually add to the décor of the kitchen, they knew they were on to something positive, but they didn’t know exactly how to turn the idea into reality.
They needed to figure out how to make durable materials capable of taking an everyday pounding look like blown glass. They needed to figure out how to manufacture appealing, artistic shapes without breaking the bank. They needed to be sure their reputation for making reliable products wouldn’t suffer in the process. They needed to be sure that this idea wouldn’t end up with so many others that simply couldn’t be translated from concept to manufacturing reality. They asked D-Terra to help.
The Solution
“They wanted the best thing since sliced bread”
We solved those problems, turned idea into an aesthetically unique line of blenders and mixers, delivered a blender that was the highest performing in the market, and left Jenn-Air believing they needed a toaster to go along with the line. So we did it again. We created a toaster in the same aesthetic and even made it state of the art in delivering perfect toast time after time, regardless of the number of pieces being made or the size of the bread. The Jenn-Air Toaster became the top-selling brand at The Great Indoors the year it was introduced.
The Strategy
D-Terra’s Product Commercialization Strategy:
- Searched the world for the finest glass manufacturers and decorators
- Worked with multiple global locations to customize bowls and pitchers that could be mass-produced while preserving design intent of originals
- Lead with simultaneous introduction of the mixer and blender on a short timetable and introduced toaster in record speed
The Result
- Speed to market delivery in 18 months. On time, on budget
- D-Terra manufactured products in four different countries integrating: glassware, touch screen interfaces, molding, die casting, plating, painting and final assembly
- 135 SKU’s were delivered into Maytag distribution centers
- All three products launched to awards and widespread acclaim