USG Casting Fireplace Surrounds - Manual (Page 4)

Answering the following questions about market planning
before you start the manufacturing process is critical to minimizing
production planning mistakes.
Will products fall within the Is the business primarily intended to be a low volume/high profit product offering, or a high volume/low profit
high end or low end of the market? offering?
What is the look of the product? Will the surrounds be aggregated, smooth, paint-grade, textured, or integrally colored?
What are daily production and shipping Seventy-five units per day is considered extremely high production. Daily output depends on inventory ability,
output expectations? production techniques, drying capacity of daily production, and installation arrangements.
Will you maintain inventory, or use JIT production is not always matched to daily production due to the need to fully dry the parts.
JIT production to meet demands?
Will you offer custom products only, a standard Mold type, mold material, and subsequent costs are affected by this decision.
product offering, or a combination?
Are you willing to produce interior products only? Gypsum cements for fireplace ornamentation are not to be used outside, regardless of coatings or treatment.
Are you willing to define and enforce Quality control does not end with the fabrication of the fireplace surround in the shop—installation
installation recommendations? recommendations must be met to ensure product safety.
What type of warranty will you offer? Your warranty should take into account your installation techniques and the type of firebox with which your
product will be used.
Planning
4 Casting Fireplace Surrounds