Christie, the global visual and audio technology company, has announced the recent development of its Center for Engineering Excellence, to keep pace with increased demand.
The Kitchener site features a high-tech automation line comprising robotic handling, increasing manufacturing capabilities nearly threefold. Christie says the area’s design echoes some of the most cutting-edge manufacturing facilities found internationally.
Christie’s director of display engineering, Shawn Mills says: “In production and manufacturing, there is a tendency to outsource automation. By designing and building our new automation line using our in-house engineering experts, we have not only increased our manufacturing capabilities, but we have also ensured we are ready for the next stage of growth.
“As a result, the new space incorporates best-in-class practices, including vertical integration, which ensures we build the highest quality product for our customers.”
In addition to this, new “pick and place” robots can perform repetitive, basic tasks such as carrying tiles from conveyors efficiently, freeing up Christie’s skilled manufacturing staff to focus on more complex tasks.
“We can now invest even more in what’s called design for manufacturing (DFM), a process used in higher volume industries, like automotive. On the team, we have people that build and design the product and then naturally shift to designing the automation as an extension of this process.
“This gives the company a huge advantage because we can control much more of the value chain, and we can be innovative not only in the design of the product but also in the process of creating that product. It is as important how we make our products as what we are making.”
Creating seamless experiences
With the new production facility, Christie plans to use the new facility to boost MicroTiles LED production, whilst retaining the product’s high-quality standards:
“We measure every LED as they come off the line, and we make sure they hit very tight tolerances so that the MicroTiles create a seamless canvas. We are excited to be at the forefront of incorporating advanced manufacturing processes into LED design and production,” continues Mills.
“Ultimately, we want to deliver a product that continues to exceed expectations and meets demand, and we believe our new manufacturing space will allow us to do that.”
Upcoming event
Christie will soon meet prospects and customers at InfoComm 2022, from June 8-10 taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on 8-10 June. The firm will demonstrate its range of integrated solutions on booth N2145, including the launch of the new Griffyn 4K50-RGB projector.
“From LCD and LED displays, content management and processing to high-brightness projection, we are excited to showcase solutions that will help to inspire and re-ignite the ProAV industry as we look to the year ahead,” says executive director of corporate marketing, Arlonna Seymour.
Christie recently showcased its leading products at ISE 2022, including M 4K25 RGB pure laser projectors and the MicroTiles LED range.
