Over the past several years MPP has harnessed the innovation of our employees to completely redesign our product assembly procedures, improving on time shipping for all items to 92.6%. We are proud of the fact that you rely on our ability to deliver the right products at the right time. The result? In February, 86% of the orders we received requested same or next day shipping, demonstrating your confidence in our ability to quickly meet your needs.

In 2007, Muncie Power Products, Inc. created the Technology Solutions Group (TSG) to develop specific, technologically advanced market segments. The primary thrust has been in the area of Snow and Ice control applications, specifically the development of the MP²Advantage system. While in the process of expanding distribution, the TSG has broadened their scope from more traditional plow, dump, spreader applications to include a variety of more sophisticated designs incorporating a wide range of products and services.

The communication platform developed for the MP²Advantage system, Muncie Chassis Network (MCN), applies equally well to many vocational truck applications. This is an area for future growth that TSG is beginning to explore.

TSG is headed by Terry Crago, with a variety of talented individuals under his charge, including: Randy Fowler, Homer Darnell, Brad Spence, Kevin Woehler, Randy Snider, Doug Winchester, Don Flick, Tom Brown and Mike Knox.

Cellular flow is the cornerstone of lean manufacturing. The concept is to group machines or operations in an area as to process a single part through successive operations to completion. Muncie’s manufacturing plant in Tulsa was way ahead of the Lean power curve when they put in their first automated gear and shaft cells back in the early 80’s. As time has passed, customer demands have changed, and Muncie’s manufacturing plant has recently constructed a new Shaft Cell to help meet that demand. Their new design incorporated a CNC shaper able to produce Din splines as well as any other internal spline Muncie offers. The end result is that Muncie has a cell capable of 8 minute cycle times for pre heat treated shafts. This has significantly impacted Muncie’s ability to get the parts our customers want, when they want them. Future editions of the E-News will highlight more ways MPP is working to eliminate waste and add value to our products.

February 09, Muncie’s Warranty / Return Director, Rich Gowin spent two days with Tulsa Distribution Manager, Josh Reimer and Test Engineer, David Martin examining our Returned Material Authorization (RMA) procedure. Their intent was to see how they could eliminate waste and speed up the process. After evaluating the step by step process, the team projected they could reduce the time required to disposition returned material as much as 35% by restructuring the procedure. Once implemented, returned material could be assessed and processed in less than ten working days. Please bear with us as we work to achieve our new time goals.

MPP would like to extend a special thanks to our colleagues and customers who visited our booths at the “Pumper Cleaner Environmental Expo” and the “Work Truck Show.”

Please stop by and say “hello” while you are visiting the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY March 19th-21st. Muncie Power Products will be located at Booth #30132.

Q: What is the minimum clearance requirement between the PTO and Exhaust Systems on 2007 and 2010 EPA Emissions complaint chassis?

A: Muncie recommends a minimum clearance of one inch between metal auxiliary power components and the exhaust system and a minimum of four inches for wiring, plastic components and hoses.  Even at these distances heat shielding must be used.  Exhaust temperatures can reach 1,600 degrees F. and at four inches up to 700 degrees F. Muncie offers a heat shield kit (PN 49TK4860) which is 6”x24”, rated at 2,000 degrees F. and should be used to cover the PTO, pump, hoses, fittings, wiring or the exhaust pipe itself where required.  Any time there is any question about heat issues and the damage that may occur, it is advisable to use a heat shield.

Answer supplied by Brad Smith, Senior Product Engineering Specialist
E-mail sales@munciepower.com with questions to be answered by our experts.

Submit your questions now for an automatic entry into the Question of the Month 2009 Give-A-Way Contest! At the end of 2009 MPP will choose one question from our customer base and award the author with a special prize pack.