Middle East latch order demands strict timing

The specification called for a securing of the enclosure door with a plastic clip-in, quarter-turn latch – simple to fit and, bearing in mind the quantity, relatively low in cost. Terry Cantle, managing director of FDB, explained: "We felt that the proposed plastic latch would be unsuitable for the service conditions that were likely to be encountered by the boxes." So a small but extremely robust diecast lock with steel cam was offeres for evaluation by the client. "In order to stay within the budget constraints we proposed that the lock be supplied zinc-plated rather than its usual chrome-plated finish," added Cantle. FDB then supplied sample locks to incorporate into the prototypes and subsequently to gain the approval of the client to proceed. The box manufacturer had been given only three months to complete the contract so a short timescale was required. With a fixed completion date in place, FDB had set up additional facilities in order to meet the production schedules. "There could be no slippage on delivery of the locks as twelve, 40 ft containers had been pre-booked for the shipment," added Terry Cantle. FDB began to deliver at the required rate of 1500 locks a week but after four weeks increased this to 2000, thus facilitating completion of the contract in ten weeks.