Biography

Richard Freeman has been involved in Thermoforming for almost 40 years, the last 32 with Freetech Plastics in Fremont California. His experience providing Pressure Formed products in the close tolerance, technically demanding, and highly competitive, environment of Silicon Valley has led to a number of innovations. It also gives him a unique perspective on Production, Quality, Marketing, and Design Issues.

Rich’s Articles, Company and Products have been featured in Plastics Engineering, Appliance Manufacturer, Innovation, Machine Design, Plastic News, Mechanical Engineering, and International Designer to name a few. He has spoken out about many issues important to Thermoformers over the years. Considered one of the founders of the West Coat Style of Thermoforming, He’s been a regular feature of the SPE Thermoforming Division conference programs both in the USA and in Europe as well as other SPE and Industrial Design forums. His continual promotional efforts in behalf of the industry have benefited not just his own company but Thermoformers as a whole.

Freetech Products have won numerous industry awards including the 1996, 1999, and 2004 Peoples Choice Awards, the Thermoforming Industry’s Top Prize. Freetech has provided the Pressure Formed parts for 7 ID Magazine award winners and has worked hard to make the design community aware of Thermoforming possibilities. Rich has been an active member of the SPE Thermoforming Division Board of Directors since 1991. He is responsible for the US Thermoforming Division’s web page and Machinery Grant program. In 2006 Rich was given the SPE Thermoforming Division’s “Lifetime Achievement award.


Abstract of presentation

Shorter lead times - Fact or Myth

Much ado has been made about shorter market cycles and quicker speed to market.
How does concurrent engineering pay off?
Where have the gains been?
Why do many manufacturers report that once a job is finally released to production, lead times seem to be about the same as before?
Can it really be done?
What are the challenges that need to be overcome? 
What do case histories show?
What are best manufacturing practices today?

Come with your success / horror stories to what should prove to be a lively debate.
Panel will include industry veterans who have seen it all or at the very  least most of it.

Moderator: Rich Freeman
Panel: Cor Janssen, Jeff Pitt