Hello all,
Just a quick update for March for the Quik Rack Mach2.
The good Stuff.
Parts are being pumped out…finally!!!!
Parts are being pumped out.
The CNC machines are incredible and working very well. The constant tweaking on efficiency will continue through the first few batches, but so far things are looking good.
We are working extended hours to get parts made, sent across town to be anodized, and ready for assembly.
Finding experienced CNC machinists has been a challenge, but we now have six machinists including two that are interning from Western Colorado Community College and the Colorado Mesa University Engineering Program. So far, one marketing, three finance, and four engineering students have gotten real world experience and income from this one product. Working with students is win-win.
Parts
Cams
Spools
Slot Plates
Trays
Our supply chain seems to be stabilizing and JT feels like we will be out of the weeds after this batch (around 1000 racks); the next batch will be smoother and faster. We have about 400 preorders and once we get a better handle on our production schedule and timelines, we will open up sales again.
For those of you who want to see how stable the rack is, we visited Moab recently and posted on YouTube and Facebook to demonstrate the stability over uneven, rocky terrain.
Shipping Product
We will begin putting together sub-assemblies as parts are received back from anodization. It takes a few sub-assemblies to make a completed rack, so once the sub-assemblies are done, orders will be processed on a first in, first out basis. Once we start shipping, we expect to start at a pace of 4-5 racks per day and ramp up to 20 or so. Like the machining processes, as time goes on we will continue to improve those numbers to meet demand, hopefully well beyond 20.
The light at the end of this long tunnel glows brighter.
So now, the not so good Stuff.
Covid hit the aluminum extruders pretty hard and doubled the lead time on some of our extrusions. We’re still short a couple of those, but they are due to arrive over the next couple of weeks. The presales helped us order bigger quantities as raw aluminum is volatile and prices have been rising. JT has been planning for more consistent shipment of aluminum and fasteners and is implementing that plan now.
(Newsflash – We got a big delivery of tray extrusions after this video was recorded.)
We are still looking at late April/May to start delivering product. We don’t want to make any more promises on timelines… just updates so you all can make the best decisions for you and your family.
Remember, if this is a problem, do not hesitate to contact us and ask for a refund.
We’re shutting down all the pre-sales, as I said, so we can focus on everybody who’s already placed an order and alleviate stress on you and alleviate stress on us, because right now, quite honestly, we need it.
So again, thanks for your patience, feedback and support, just stay healthy, get out there and ride.
Bryan Wachs
CEO QuikrStuff.com