Wayne, Here is something I just posted on AOL relevant to one of your questions:
Sorry for the confusion regarding "full-speed production". From my experience with start-ups of process machinery I would expect that each piece of equipment, including conveyors between machines, is designed for the same rate of material flow. The present "de-bug" mode involves running for a short time, perhaps 10-30 minutes and then shutting down to analyze the effects of their adjustments. Although for a short duration, the line runs at full speed.
Each production run is done with the purpose of solving a problem or improving some variable. There are perhaps two or three machines with factory technicians, each working on his own set of adjustments and fine tuning. I would imagine it to be a co-operative effort such that the line is re-started when everyone is ready for another test run. They are running the smaller cellphone cells, because they are about 1/4 the size of the laptop cells and result in less wasted material. I wouldn't be surprised if a good portion of what they are making is usable product.
To answer your second question, It's possible that some preliminary contract negotiations are already under way. I understand that there are 3-4 Laptop OEMs interested. After experience with a large Motorola contract about 4 years ago, the company prefers to first test factory product themselves and then submit it OEM's for their own testing, such that both parties are sure of the product. Due to limited production at first, OEM's may have sufficient interest to act pre-emptively, and we could be surprised with a contract sooner than expected. Regards, FMK |
