Samsonite was started in 1910 and was the first company to use metal in luggage. It has since grown to be one of the largest luggage companies in the world. The Samsonite plant in Nashik, India started operations in 1996 and satisfies 40% of demand for the Asian market. Luggage is produced through injection molding or compression molding and is assembled through a moving line process before undergoing quality testing including handle, drop, and tumble tests. Finished luggage is then packaged, barcoded, and shipped to distribution centers.
2. Samsonite Global :
Started in 1910 by Jesse Shwayder.
It was the first company to use metal in its luggage.
Quickly adapted to the changing needs of people.
Samsonite Group is one of the world's largest and
most recognized designers and distributors in the
luggage industry.
About Samsonite
9/18/2013 2
3. About Samsonite
(continued..)
Samsonite - Nashik Plant:
Started its operations in 1996.
Also known as Samsonite South Asia.
Area – 730,000 square feet
Occupancy – 200,000 square feet
Satisfies 40% demand for the Asian Market.
Good connectivity with the major cities.
9/18/2013 3
4. Vision:
‘To become one of the worlds' most highly regarded
premium lifestyle travel brands.’
Tag Line: 'Life's a Journey‘
Product Portfolio:
◦ Samsonite
◦ American Tourister
◦ Cosmolite
◦ Timberland (bags only)
◦ Hartmann Luggage
About Samsonite
(continued..)
9/18/2013 4
5. Two methods for outer case production:
Injection molding & Compression Molding
Injection Moulding:
Molten plastic (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) forced into
a mould cavity. Cooled & solidification into desired
shape. Pressure created using hydraulic rams
Aesthetic look & fast
Manufacturing process
9/18/2013 5
6. Compression Moulding :
Thermoplastic sheet (PP CURV
sheet- from Hungary) is heated
(2500C-3000C) & pressed
between two mould halves
(1100C)
In Vacuum Compression
moulding, with the help of
suction, shapes are given to the
sheet
3 random samples out of 100
are checked for strength, by
dropping a pointed iron rod
from the height of 1 meter.
Manufacturing process
(continued..)
9/18/2013 6
7. Assembly Process
Top & Bottom Shell
Stitching
PVC Strip Stitching Full Handle & wheel
Top & Bottom Joining
& Wheel Alignment
Inspection &
Cleaning
Quality Checking
9/18/2013 7
8. Moving line assembly was used
Rollers were used to push the bags from one
station to another after completion of work
Workers multi-skilled: As they would be rotated
among the various assembly functions every
week
Assembly Process
(continued..)
9/18/2013 8
9. Quality Tests: A demonstration of the following
quality tests was arranged:
Handle Tests: 3500 Times: Tested by giving jerks to
the handle for 3500 times in a loaded condition.
The Drop Test: -AT 0.9m: Dropping the bag 18 times
on the ground at all corners and sides at atmospheric
temperature from 0.9 m height.
( Done at -12 degree C for export to regions with
extreme climatic conditions)
Quality Tests on Random
Sample
9/18/2013 9
10. The Tumble Test: 50 Revolutions & Obstacles:
Tumbling the bag in a tumbler at 50 cycles in a loaded
condition.
The Lock Test: Push & Release Cycles: Locks’
durability is checked by operating the lock for 15000
cycles in one go continuously.
Wheel Test: 32 KMs - Wheel is been carried for 32
kms in a loaded condition to check the wear and tear
for wheels.
Quality Tests on Random
Sample (continued..)
9/18/2013 10
11. Packaging of finished goods into cartons is
done.
Unique bar-coding is kept as per the regional
destination and kept in the finished goods
inventory.
Final quality check of the packaged goods is
done.
Loading of the packaged goods into vehicle and
vehicle is sent to the respective distribution
centers.
Dispatching
9/18/2013 11
12. The plant is ISO 9001-2000 Certified.
Inventory Turns = 12 per year.
Inventory Strategy:
◦ 30 Days: For Imported Raw Material
◦ 2 Days: For Local/Domestic Material
There was a reference on unique best practices as
◦ Bar coding system for inventory
◦ Automated material handling
◦ Heavy duty racks
◦ Unilateral flow system in manufacturing
Highlights
9/18/2013 12