Whether via e-mail, a follow-up call or simply dropping by for a visit, communication is a vital part of Torque Transmission’s business strategy.
This was certainly the case with a recent business venture with Darko Inc., a company specializing in the development and production of point-of-purchase displays. Darko needed a mechanical device to demonstrate how the Geotrax train from Fisher-Price moved back and forth along the tracks in its holiday display.
Due to the logistics of the display, the standard controller could not be used to operate the toy train cars. After several tests, engineers at Darko came up with a solution using roller chain sprockets provided by Torque Transmission.
According to the company’s press release, Darko ran the train through more than 35,000 cycles, measuring each time it moved forward, then backward. With the sprockets, engineers were pleased the display functioned exactly how it was originally designed to operate.
“With the train securely fitted on the track, it was able to move easily using the roller chain sprockets,” says Dave Ireland, Darko’s engineering manager. “The Torque Transmission sprockets provided Darko with the perfect solution for what it needed.”
This business relationship started back in February of 2005 when Rusnak sent a products catalogue to Darko. When the mechanical issue occurred with the Geotrax train, Darko began placing multiple orders for roller chain sprockets from Torque Transmission.
Other clients have called on Torque Transmission to provide assistance with items like thrust bearings, right-angle gear drives and shaft-locking mechanisms.
“Each situation is different,” says Rusnak, “this is what makes what we do so interesting. Once the mechanisms are used to solve these problems, they’re put on file for future reference.”
Torque Transmission publishes a quarterly newsletter highlighting case studies where their products have been used to solve these mechanical issues. It also provides information on why the product is of value to potential customers.
Rusnak is quick to point out that the work they do in the marketing department is not rocket science. “We have a variety of products like pulleys, gearboxes, ball thrust bearings and roller sprockets that provide simple solutions, but it’s the engineers that make it happen. They do their nutty professor thing and we simply provide the necessary material.”
