Posted on: 10-25-2012
Metal fabricator Mills Products (Brentwood, TN) has partnered with GE Appliances to produce dishwasher handles for the latest generation of GE Profile series kitchen appliances. Drawing on over ten years of engineering collaboration with GE, Mills introduced an automated, patented progressive tubular stamping die process at its plant in Athens, Tenn.
The first of its kind for the appliance industry, Mills Products’ assembly line eliminates several hand transfers, thereby reducing costs, increasing efficiency and diminishing the need for rework. Mills worked closely with GE’s industrial engineers to meet part requirements while applying the new manufacturing technology. Together, they also strengthened the mounting system for the new three-piece handle, which includes a brushed steel bar and two high-grade plastic fasteners.
“We are excited to be a part of GE’s reinvention of the Profile kitchen appliance suite,” says Darrell Adcock, president of Mills Products, “and are delighted to take this pioneering step in applying progressive tubular stamping to the appliance industry with such a longstanding and trusted partner. This new handle represents amazing achievements in design, technology and efficiency.”