Invacare 2014 Annual Report Download - page 14

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I-10
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING
In 2014, Invacare was proud to introduce select products that improved upon and renewed its current offerings. The following
are some of Invacare's notable new products for 2014:
• Invacare Europe introduced the Invacare® TDX® SP2 power wheelchair. This next-generation center-wheel drive power
wheelchair is an enhancement of the previous version and comes in two different wheelbase sizes, utilizing the Invacare®
Modulite seating system. With a brand new design and improved serviceability, the TDX® SP2 power wheelchair maintains
the strengths of Invacare® SureStep® and Stability Lock suspension systems.
• The Invacare® Dahlia® passive manual wheelchair was introduced in Europe with both 30-degree and 45-degree tilt
option. This wheelchair meets the demand for a passive wheelchair with a smaller footprint and more active consumer.
• The Company introduced the Invacare® Fox foldable power wheelchair in Europe. The Fox® power wheelchair is packed
with innovation to make life more manageable for everyday consumers. Featuring a modular, lightweight and compact
design, it offers excellent maneuverability indoors with adjustable seating for different consumer needs. Its pendulum
axis and optimized battery position ensure excellent outdoor traction.
• Invacare introduced the Aquatec® Dot shower stool in the European segment in September 2014. The Dot is a lightweight,
height adjustable shower stool for added safety and comfort in the shower. With a wide height adjustment range and high
load capacity, the Dot covers a broad range of consumers and usage scenarios.
• The Invacare® Accent bed, which was launched in the United Kingdom in August, is a new variant of the successful
Invacare® Medley Ergo product family. The Medley Ergo is known as the most ergonomic bed solution in a home care
situation and the Accent expands these features into the value segment.
• Invacare Europe introduced the Alber® Twion® power assist for manual wheelchairs in April 2014. This is the fastest
power-assist with up to 10km/h (6.2 mph), lightweight, quiet and offers the option of Smartphone connectivity with
Bluetooth interface.
• Invacare Europe also introduced the Invacare® Colibri scooter. This line of stylish, simple and colorful micro-scooters
was awarded the prestigious Reddot design award. With the unique Invacare LiteLockTM system the scooter can easily
be taken apart without any tools and it fits neatly into any car trunk.
MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIERS
The Company’s objective is to continue to reduce costs and possibly consolidate facilities to maintain its high quality supply.
The Company seeks to achieve this objective through a strategic combination of Invacare manufacturing facilities, contract
manufacturing facilities and key suppliers.
The supply chain is focused on providing custom-configured, made-to-order manufactured products as well as high-quality,
cost-effective solutions for standard stock products. As strategic choices are made globally, the Company will continue to be
focused on providing quick product delivery to the market as a specific competitive advantage to the marketing and sales teams
in these regions.
The Company continues to emphasize reducing the costs of its global manufacturing and distribution operations. Access to
sourcing opportunities has been facilitated by the Company’s establishment of a test and design engineering facility in the
Company’s Suzhou, China location.
Best practices in lean manufacturing are used throughout the Company’s operations to eliminate waste, shorten lead times,
optimize inventory, improve productivity, drive quality and engage supply chain associates in the defining and implementation of
needed change.
The Company purchases raw materials, components, sub-assemblies and finished goods from a variety of suppliers around
the world. The Company’s Asian sourcing and purchasing office has proven to be an asset to the Company’s supply chain through
the identification, development and management of suppliers across Asia. Where appropriate, Invacare utilizes contracts with
suppliers in all regions to increase the guarantees of delivery, cost, quality and responsiveness. In those situations where contracts
are not advantageous, Invacare works to manage multiple sources of supply and relationships that provide increased flexibility to
the supply chain.