Success Stories

    Case Study #2: Nu-kote International Seeks Innotex Global Services Expertise in Product Optimization and Manufacturing Cost Controls

   The problem:
    Nu-kote International, the leading U.S. manufacturer of replacement and remanufactured ribbons and cartridges for ink, laser and fax machines began feeling pressure from its retail and mass merchant clients as well as office product dealers to offer high quality products, but at even lower costs to remain competitive in the marketplace.

    As Nu-kote International successfully began increasing its share of ink jet cartridges on retail store shelves, additional pressure was coming from major office product retailers to increase productivity and offer greater benefits from compatible brands and OEM manufacturers while respecting patents from these manufacturers. Inkjet cartridge yield levels were at nearly 55%, well-below the standard set internally by Nu-kote’s engineer teams.

    The solution:
    Nu-kote International chose Innotex Global Services Zhuhai, China manufacturing facility to provide its offshore solution versus producing inkjet cartridges in the U.S. Nu-kote International's engineers worked closely with Innotex engineers to develop a superior inkjet cartridge for over 20 different existing part numbers using the state-of-the-art engineering technology that allows for continuous controls and testing of prototypes and final parts. After initial product testing, Nu-kote decided to close its inkjet cartridge facility in the U.S. and Innotex to manufacture inkjet cartridges out of China under the strict guidelines developed by the engineering teams. As a result of the process engineering control led by Innotex Global Services, yield levels were increased to 85% and inkjet production went from a 20,000 monthly output to nearly a 600,000 unit output per month.

    The benefit:
    Nu-kote International was able to reduce stock outs and improve overall customer satisfaction while reducing costs by approximately 30%.