Nuveq - Hay Steamer Designs

Project Overview

Nuveq (formerly Farm & Stable, FS Animal Health), a leading expert in equine health products, approached me to design and develop their own range of hay steamers. Known for retailing the best hay steamers globally, they aimed to create and sell an innovative line under their brand. This project required expertise in designing for rotary molding—a significant investment due to the high costs of tooling.

Challenges and Constraints

High Investment
Rotary molding tooling costs tens of thousands of pounds, necessitating precise design knowledge to avoid costly mistakes.

Manufacturing Feasibility
Ensuring the design was suitable for rotary molding processes, balancing cost and manufacturability.

Product Reliability and Cost
Creating a product that was not only reliable and effective but also cost-efficient.

Market Competition
Developing a product that could compete with established brands like Haygain.

Solution Approach

Research and Development
I Conducted comprehensive research on competitor products, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses.

Created a range of high-end 3D visual concepts, considering cost, manufacturing feasibility, reliability, and overall market appeal.

Detailed 3D CAD Modeling
Selected the most promising concept and developed detailed 3D CAD models.
Iteratively refined the design to ensure it met all functional and aesthetic requirements.

Collaboration with Rotary Molders
Held multiple meetings with rotary molding experts to review the design.
Adjusted the CAD models based on feedback to ensure the design was optimized for rotary molding.

Manufacturing Data Pack
Created 2D manufacturing drawings and bills of materials (BOM).
Developed a comprehensive manufacturing data pack, including all necessary information for production.

Outcome
The project was a significant success. Nuveq’s new range of hay steamers was well-received in the market, leading to increased revenue and market presence. The steamers are now sold across Europe, demonstrating their reliability and effectiveness.

Impact

Client Satisfaction
Nuveq was extremely pleased with the final product, which met all their expectations in terms of design, functionality, and cost.
Market Growth
The new hay steamers contributed to Nuveq’s revenue growth, proving their market appeal.
Ongoing Collaboration
The success of this project has led to a continued partnership with Nuveq, exploring new and innovative products for the future.

This case study highlights the importance of thorough research, detailed design, and close collaboration with manufacturing experts in developing successful and competitive products in the market.