Cellulose sponge manufacturer 3M of faced a unique challenge as its high speed manufacturing lines created flow issues downstream .

3M could not afford to shut down its production lines to allow their wrapping machine to package all of the sponges manufactured. Diamond Contract Manufacturing was challenged to integrate a system that diverted "overflow" sponges to DCM to be packaged and then returned to 3M.

DCM was able to quickly source two (2) semi-automated machines to meet 3Ms flexible packaging requirements. While 3M was focused on running their sponge machines, DCM performed the finishing operations, thus preparing the sponges for market. This system allowed 3M to maintain full production capacity without accumulating inventory.

DCMs ability to step in and add downstream capacity was the perfect fit for 3M. They were able to focus on their core competency and let DCM take care of the rest.