Atlas Copco - Annual Report 1999
Atlas Copco - Annual Report 1999
Atlas Copco - Annual Report 1999
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INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE<br />
INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE<br />
Customer needs guide<br />
product development<br />
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation’s leadership position in the American market<br />
for professional electric tools has resulted in part from the company developing<br />
products that meet the expectations of end-users of professional tools. Based<br />
on extensive end-user research, products are designed to ensure customer<br />
satisfaction.<br />
Two years in the making, the Tilt-Lok ® Circular Saw evolved<br />
from customer comments and input. Seeing an opportunity to<br />
design a circular saw that better met customer needs, Milwaukee<br />
Electric Tool began extensive research to understand what product<br />
features would fulfill those needs. The project team visited job<br />
sites, end-users, and distributors, conducted field sales surveys<br />
and competitive evaluations, met with focus groups, and performed<br />
secondary research. They found that customers desired<br />
a circular saw with an ergonomic design, easy adjustments, and<br />
good performance and durability.<br />
Armed with this customer input, Milwaukee designed the<br />
powerful and lightweight 7 ¼˝ Tilt-Lok ® Circular Saw. Its multiposition<br />
adjustable handle allows the saw to be modified to the job<br />
58 ATLAS COPCO <strong>1999</strong><br />
application, whether reaching to cut large<br />
paneling, bending to cut flooring, or cutting<br />
overhead. Other features include cushioned<br />
grips, single-handle bevel adjustment,<br />
and an easy-to-use spindle lock.<br />
The Tilt-Lok ® has won numerous<br />
awards, including the <strong>1999</strong> Popular<br />
Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award, the<br />
Governor’s New Product Award, and<br />
Best New Product Awards from Today’s<br />
Homeowner and Tools of the Trade.<br />
In <strong>1999</strong>, Milwaukee also focused on understanding what<br />
product features are important to end-users of professional<br />
cordless tools. Through its product development and research<br />
processes, the company identified key features that would make<br />
its customers’ jobs easier to do, with more comfort.<br />
The new Contractor Cordless tools reflect those needs through<br />
features such as a reversible battery-pack design that allows the<br />
battery to be installed in either of two directions, depending on the<br />
job. Other features include a system approach to cordless design,<br />
with interchangeable batteries and a universal charger. Customers<br />
can easily “add on”new tools without investing in different batteries<br />
or chargers, which enhances value and convenience.
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