We're looking back and moving forward. 2014 was a year where we built a whole new set of tools and principles, a "Launch Pad" for Bi-Link. With that, we're beginning to write here on our Open Innovation Blog. This theme of embracing external and internal ideas in our approach will shine through as we share stories in this new format. But before we look too far ahead, we'd like to first introduce where we've been the last year.
Given all of the exciting, dynamic changes taking place in our operating environment, we put a big effort into making sure that our customers could plug into Bi-Link® and be clear about our capabilities. We adapted and evolved with new technology, a solid approach to supporting innovation, boosted speed, and now leverage unmatched collaboration with our customers. At the end of the day, it really comes down to how Bi-Link can help you "do more, faster"!
First
You need to know what we're up to! We tore down and rebuilt our website and ramped up our visibility in print, online, and yes, even on social media. We needed our "look" and presence to reflect who we are. What you see is our culture and passion, our creativity and our people, not just our capabilities. At Bi-Link®, it's about our enthusiasm, not just our equipment list.
Second
Beyond the considerable supply-chain value we bring with facilities in Illinois, Juarez, Shanghai, and Nanning, we needed the engineers we work with to know and leverage the resources and innovations we make available to them: design input and support, 3D-printed samples in one day, and injection molded (and insert molded) "pre-prototypes" in one to three days. We bring a seamless transition from "Mind to Market".
Third
We created a first-of-its-kind space, the Hardware Store™ by Bi-Link®. This engineering and collaboration space was developed to bring the Bi-Link® experience closer to our customers. The Hardware Store is a place for engineers, by engineers. It's a place to collaborate with top industry minds, access latest technologies, test proof of concepts, and even get a few parts fast! We opened the first Hardware Store in Raleigh, NC in 2014, with San Diego up next and more to follow. Collaboration is most effective when it happens across a table. With the Hardware Store by Bi-Link, we not only bring the skills, we bring the tables, and cutting-edge equipment too!
For more on the Hardware Store, click here >
Fourth
We're passionate about innovation and collaboration, not because it's "'popular,"' but because that's how we've been doing business for more than 50 years! Bi-Link® is proud to collaborate on The Midnight Lunch™ Lab with Sarah Miller Caldicott, great grandniece of Thomas Edison and author of the book Midnight Lunch. The Midnight Lunch™ Lab is a unique collaboration space within the Hardware Store™.
So, what's up our sleeves in 2015? Expansion.
We're adding floor space, capabilities, and capacity around the world. You'll be hearing about our efforts to rethink and reshape our support for engineers across the globe. A more diverse cross-section of the Bi-Link® team will stand ready to help you get from Mind to Market quicker.
2015 is here and Bi-Link® is ready... how can we help you?
Ray Ziganto
President
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About the Author
Ray Ziganto has more than 25 years in international operations and business development experience for U.S. and multinational mechanical component contract manufacturers. Ray takes great pride in his role as President of Bi-Link, and champions the company's unique synthesis of leading-edge technologies and manufacturing solutions to support engineers. A results-driven innovator, Ray has positioned Bi-Link to be competitive and relevant in the changing U.S. manufacturing landscape. Previously, Ray held a variety of roles at Bi-Link: Senior Vice President, Global Operations; Vice President, Asian Operations; and Corporate Sales Manager. He has lived and worked in China, Singapore, and Mexico, affording him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. manufacturers.