‘Adapting’ to Business in Brazil

Palladium Energy’s operations in Brazil are quite different when compared to those in the United States and China.  Not only are there complex laws, regulations and tax codes for importing and exporting—all to benefit and spur economic development within Brazil — we also manufacture a different mix of products that include everything from lithium-based battery packs to PCBs and AC notebook adapters.

Last month I traveled to our facility in Manaus, Brazil plant for a week-long visit. This was my first time to visit Palladium’s Brazil location, and I was amazed at our manufacturing technical expertise, quality assurance processes and how they are integrated into the manufacturing lines used in the production of our products. Some key highlights of these manufacturing operations include:

• A multi-sourced supply chain:  It all starts with our access to reliable global suppliers to ensure that our components are of the highest quality and available on-site and ready for assembly – providing our customers with quick and efficient shipments.

• 5 SMT lines for PCB production, plus plans for a sixth line in 2011:  Depending on our customer’s unique product(s) and requirements, our SMT lines integrate the exact mix of automation, skilled assembly and quality assurance personnel to ensure that each and every circuit board is manufactured to precise specifications while minimizing waste and rework. In doing this, we are able to provide our customers with what they want, when they want it – while eliminating unfavorable cost impacts into the channel. Furthermore, by minimizing waste and rework, we are able to help keep the air, water and landscape in Brazil safe and beautiful. The photos below are choice snapshots of our automated process machines and QC checkpoints.

• Precise, flexible manufacturing processes for AC adapter lines: In addition to having the latest lean manufacturing and Six Sigma enhancements integrated into our manufacturing processes, we are able to couple these attributes with our line-flexibility capabilities to perform quick and efficient changeovers, thus allowing for immediate response to our customer’s needs and requirements. The samples below show various assembly stations and QC check points along the adapter lines.

• Private manufacturing areas, temperature controlled warehousing, packaging expertise & more.  Our facility in Manaus has over 65,000 square feet of manufacturing floor space and provides separate and secure areas for customers seeking additional privacy. In addition, the plant is set for major expansion in 2011 that will allow for the production of WiFi cards for notebooks, TV set-up boxes and LCD TV Power Supply Units (PSUs).Many of Palladium’s customer’s electrical components and finished goods inventoried and manufactured in Brazil require that they be stored in strict temperature and humidity control environments for a variety of reasons, but mostly to ensure current/future performance, reliability and safety. The controls, processes and backup systems in these rooms allow for around-the-clock environment control.Finally, shipping product to customers from Brazil can be very complicated.  Our team understands the complexities from product packaging and labeling, cartons and skids to the unique rules, laws and documents involved with land, sea and air shipments within Brazil.

If you need AC notebook adapter or battery-pack manufacturing & design support within Brazil, Please contact us. Palladium Energy is eager become your partner on your adapter business.

-       Rebecca Kritzman, director of marketing

A Supplier Conference to Remember

Recently, Palladium Energy attended a supplier conference hosted by one of the world’s largest enterprise solution device OEMs. The event was attended by more than 300 of the OEM’s executives, directors and managers within their core engineering, quality and procurement groups. The purpose of the supplier conference was to help the company stay abreast of the latest and greatest technologies available via their supply chain in order to help innovate their business.

Previously, Palladium has designed custom battery pack solutions for this OEM’s products, including Bar Code Scanning and RFID devices as well as mobile computers.

Palladium's Showcase Booth

Over the two-day conference, Palladium was able to connect with past and current contacts we’ve worked with over the last several years, and to meet new ones as well. We also had the opportunity to showcase our products and talk about what’s new from a technology and engineering perspective in manufacturing custom lithium-based battery packs. But, one of the best parts was hearing directly from our customers and partners about our service and performance. We got great feedback regarding our ability to solve any challenge—quickly—and around our testing capabilities.

In fact, one of the OEM’s senior managers said, “Palladium is one of the best suppliers we have.  Their responsiveness and ability to come up with unique technology and engineering solutions is second-to-none in the battery pack manufacturing world.”

It was great to spend time with one of our key customers and network with other suppliers in the industry. Now it’s time to prepare for the upcoming MD&M East, Telematics Update, and Battery Power 2011 which are just around the corner!

– Rebecca Kritzman, director of marketing

Lithium-ion Batteries – Helping Heal & Rebuild After the Tornadoes

Two weeks ago, the world watched as massive tornadoes ripped through Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee in the United States.  After the dust settled, reports claim 425 tornadoes touched down in the South, destroying neighborhoods, killing more than 300 and injuring thousands of residents.

From the National Guard to U.S. power companies to local medical personnel, thousands of workers and volunteers are coming together to help communities heal and rebuild – and lithium-ion batteries are playing a big part in relief efforts.

The most immediate concern following the deadly tornadoes was finding injured citizens and delivering medical services.  Lithium-ion medical devices such as handheld orthopedic surgical devices, injection pumps and x-ray machines were all used as Alabama hospitals saw more than 1,500 patients flood emergency rooms the night of the storms.  Many patients who use home healthcare services are experiencing a disruption in service because of demolished homes, ruined supplies and impassable roads.  Lithium-ion powered medical devices enable patients and caregivers—from doctors to family members—to monitor patients’ biological trends and events throughout the continuum of care.

In addition, search and rescue crews have worked tirelessly to sift through rubble, find trapped victims and clear roadways for emergency vehicles.  Many of these brave men and women are armed with lithium-ion power tools because they exert 40 percent more power per pound than those using nickel-based batteries.  Moreover, lithium-ion power tools retain a longer charge and don’t lose capacity after repeated charging.  Power tools are in such demand that in Tuscaloosa, hardware stores are finding it difficult to keep chainsaws in stock as relief crews work to clear debris.

In the wake of these storms, some communities in “tornado alley” and across the U.S. are examining their emergency sirens to ensure proper warning is given during severe weather.  Many cities still use electrical sirens that cease to operate during power outages, rather than digital emergency sirens with battery back-up power—which lithium-ion technology would be a perfect fit for.  In addition, citizens are preparing household emergency kits that include lithium-ion battery devices such as radios, personal alarms and personal medical devices.

Here at Palladium Energy, we send our thoughts and prayers to those devastated by April’s storms.  If you would like to contribute to relief efforts, please visit the American Red Cross’ website.

– Rebecca Kritzman, director of marketing