PHC Northwest, Inc. Using SOLIDWORKS Solutions to Develop Products that Help People with Disabilities
Customer Company Size
Large Corporate
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- SOLIDWORKS Professional
- SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional
- SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D
- MasterCAM
- BL SLICES
Tech Stack
- SOLIDWORKS
- MasterCAM
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Productivity Improvements
- Revenue Growth
- Customer Satisfaction
- Digital Expertise
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Applicable Industries
- Consumer Goods
- Healthcare & Hospitals
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
Use Cases
- Manufacturing System Automation
- Predictive Maintenance
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
About The Customer
What began in 1951 as a small, private school for children with disabilities in Portland, Oregon, has blossomed into an expanding, self-sustaining enterprise that provides broad-based educational, training, and job opportunities for people with developmental, physical, and mental disabilities. PHC Northwest (PHCNW) has grown into a dynamic and forward-thinking industry leader. Its diversified business lines allow it to help employees develop the technical skills required to earn living wages in a variety of occupations, including product development, manufacturing, industrial, clerical, janitorial, warehousing, order fulfillment, and landscaping services. PHCNW focuses on empowerment—both as an enterprise and for the individuals it serves. The nonprofit organization is committed to generating its own revenue and receives no government funding. Because PHCNW empowers its 750 employees to work and pay taxes, they’re able to raise families, build careers, and live independently without having to rely on government-funded benefits.
The Challenge
Establish an efficient product development and manufacturing capability to create products and offer services that generate self-sustaining revenues to support its mission of providing educational, training, and job opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Solution
Choosing the right product design and manufacturing platform to launch new products was of paramount importance in helping PHCNW compete successfully. The organization chose SOLIDWORKS® solutions, implementing SOLIDWORKS Professional design, SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional analysis, and SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D™ electrical design software. PHCNW chose SOLIDWORKS solutions because they are easy to use, integrate directly with MasterCAM® manufacturing software, and provide the range of capabilities required to develop innovative products. Using SOLIDWORKS solutions, PHCNW has developed and launched the Beyond Limitations (BL) line of LED-based lighting products. The organization has expanded its product offering into five distinct lines, including indoor, outdoor, facility, and pool and fountain lighting, as well as a line of LED light engines. PHCNW products have done well in the market. PHCNW is not only a major supplier to the state of Oregon—supplying lighting for streets, parking garages, and other facilities—but also has installations around the world, including British Columbia, Texas, and the Doha International Airport in Qatar.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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