idX Corporation is expanding its metal fixture capacity in response to growing market demands.

"As idX's customer base grows, we continue to build our capabilities and capacity," said idX CEO Terry Schultz. "In the past three years, we have significantly expanded our business as we work toward our five-year strategic plan to build on our current position as the industry leader."

idX's Louisville and Seattle facilities, already market leaders in the custom wood fixture business, will be adding metal capabilities. At the same time, idX's new Baltimore facility, which has doubled its previous capacity, will expand its metal operation.

"This expanded metal capacity will increase our speed to market for prototypes, and will dovetail with our increased Asian metal manufacturing capabilities," said idX EVP Strategic Business Development Mark Pritchard. "In addition, by supplementing our already-substantial millwork capabilities with expanded metal capabilities, we are able to rapidly integrate the two core fixture materials to meet our clients' needs."

The new metal capabilities follow the recent launch of idX PanelWorks, an in-house operation that produces melamine panels, high-tech milling and thermoforming.

As idX increases its capacity and capabilities at its U.S. facilities, it will shift production from its Toronto facility. All other aspects of the Canadian operation will remain in place, including design, development and project management.

"This move is also part of our strategic plan and will protect idX and its clients from wide fluctuations in the currency markets," Schultz said. "As the Canadian dollar has become stronger, many Canadian suppliers have struggled to compete. idX's geographic diversity allows us to seamlessly respond to such circumstances, while continuing to provide the same quality products, service and value."

In addition to the U.S. expansion, idX also has significantly enhanced its international capabilities with the opening of a major new wholly-owned facility near Shanghai, China.

When The Vitamin Shoppe began planning a new environmentally focused retail concept, they turned to idX Corporation, known for its leadership in the retail sustainability movement. The result is Eco Shoppe, a new retail concept dedicated to bringing the best eco-friendly products for healthy personal environments and everyday living to customers through exciting new stores and an online site (www.ecoshoppe.com).

The first store recently opened in Austin, TX. The 4,400-sq. ft. Austin store, designed by Kiku Obata & Company, offers customers the information, resources, and inspiration to create more sustainable, healthy, and pleasurable living environments and habits.

The category of eco-friendly products has grown past the simple concept of recycling. More and more consumers are recognizing the benefits of eco-friendly products, including items that are non-toxic, fair trade and energy sustainable and how they impact their life and the planet. "With the introduction of Eco Shoppe, there is now one destination delivering products, services, and education for living an eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle all in one place," said Steve Rolfes, Director of Business Development. "Eco Shoppe is expecting to receive LEED certification, as the store has been designed to take advantage of an environmentally responsible vision."

To help establish priorities and synergies, the retailer required an experienced fixture manufacturer with a solid understanding of sustainability and its application in design and construction. "idX was uniquely qualified to support their needs," said Mark Pritchard, idX EVP Strategic Business Development. "Sustainability is an inherent part of idX, from our own buildings and manufacturing processes to providing environmental sustainability services."

All the Eco Shoppe casework was manufactured at idX Seattle, an FSC-Certified division of idX Corporation. In addition, idX provided sustainability guidance.

For more information on Eco Shoppe visit www.ecoshoppe.com

When Great Clips wanted to create a new up-to-date design for their salons that reflected the then-24-year-old chain's brand focus of comfort, freedom and connection, it turned to idX Corporation for help.

Great Clips developed the new branding, merchandising, and design strategy in order to enhance the chain's strong position in the chain salon industry. "Our goals were to make the salon feel more comfortable, improve operational efficiencies, and maintain our strong investment position," said Thomas Schuenke, director of facilities and office services for Great Clips Inc.

But rolling out the new look to hundreds of salons located throughout the United States and Canada was no simple task. Consolidating numerous products from multiple vendors and coordinating on-time delivery to each salon was a daunting challenge.

"To solve logistical challenges and simplify salon start-up, we needed to rethink how we did business," said Schuenke. "With vast manufacturing and third party inventory and distribution solutions, idX proved to be the solution to our needs."

idX, a worldwide leader in fixture manufacturing, logistics and project management, developed a blended manufacturing solution for Great Clips, delivering a complete "kit of parts" to each store on schedule and on budget.

To maximize shipping and logistics investments, idX developed a customized system to manage distribution of manufactured fixtures along with all third party items. These items include sink bowls, salon chairs (5 models), graphics package, neon signs, lobby merchandiser, lockers, mirrors, decals, vacuums (2 models), and child booster seats.

In addition to idX's logistics capabilities, Great Clips benefited from idX Louisville's location near Henderson, KY, which has been recognized as the nation's best location for distribution centers because of its shortest possible "time to market."

"idX helped us streamline our process by taking the role as primary supplier and developing solutions to allow for ease of order processing, inventory management, and shipment for hundreds of accounts," said Schuenke. Since the partnership began in 2007, more than 400 new and remodeled stores have been delivered, and the two companies continue to work together as the program is continuously value engineered, while idX also maintains quality, service and pricing standards.

"Our partnership with Great Clips is based on providing a solution to their needs, not just making fixtures," said idX Louisville General Manager David Kilgore. "It's the inventory management, the distribution capability, and the communication with their team that drive success."

GUESS by Marciano, opened its first store location in Manhattan, on August 29, 2008. The 8,000-sq. ft. store in New York's trendy Soho shopping district, which incorporates custom-designed fixtures from idX Corporation, received high honors at the recent A.R.E. Design Awards ceremony, winning the Grand Prize in its category.

In announcing the award, A.R.E. commented: "This flagship's playful reflection and warm, inviting niches help customers connect to a sophisticated brand." GUESS by Marciano Store Design Manager Michelle Esserman created a boutique feel in each department, all merchandised with a well-rounded sense of lifestyle, so customers can easily find a complete outfit anywhere in the store.

"The creativity of the entire GUESS, Inc design team is definitely on display at this store," said Tony Volpe, idX Vice President of Program Development. "It is an honor to have worked with them and to see such recognition for their talents."

With a tight project schedule, there was no time to build prototype fixtures, so GUESS by Marciano and idX went direct from design to build, and made minor modifications on site. "We do quite a bit of work with idX," Esserman said, "so we had confidence in their ability to execute our design."

idX has announced it will open a new facility near Baltimore, MD.

The new 435,000-square foot plant, located in Gateway Commerce Center in Columbia, MD, will include state-of-the-art manufacturing, distribution and offices. At full capacity, the new idX facility will employ 250--double the current level.

"The increased capacity and consolidated space in the new facility positions idX Baltimore to respond to future growth," said Frank Grelle, idX Baltimore General Manager. "It also allows us to work more efficiently and handle higher volume projects."

Grelle added that the move has been planned so that both facilities will operate concurrently for a period of time to allow a seamless transition, with the move to be completed by the end of October.

In keeping with idX's commitment to sustainable business practices, the new facility will include such features as an integrated daylighting and artificial lighting system, energy-efficient HVAC and fan systems, and low VOC materials throughout. The building will also include a fitness center, a new IP Telephone system, WiFi, and a new warehouse barcode system.

idX has announced it will open a new Asian headquarters facility near Shanghai, China.

Designed to accommodate idX's rapid international growth, the building features 135,000 sq. ft. for manufacturing, 115,000 sq. ft. for warehousing and 45,000 sq. ft. of office space. When fully operational, it will employ 250.

The new idX Asian headquarters is located in the Wujiang Economic Development Zone in Jiangsu Province, just 30 miles from Shanghai.

In its early stages, the new facility will supply primarily idX European and North American clients. In the near future, however, idX expects a larger percentage of the facility's production will be focused on Asia.

Address:
idX China
Factories T2 and T3 Pangjin Industrial Square
Pangjin Road
Wujiang Economic Development Zone
Wujiang, Jiangsu Province PRC

idX has launched idX PanelWorks.

idX PanelWorks produces melamine panels, high-tech milling and thermoforming for clients. With the new in-house capabilities, clients will benefit from shorter lead times, improved flexibility and competitive pricing.

idX has invested more than $2.7 million in expanding its 420,000-square-foot Jeffersonville, IN, facility to house the new PanelWorks capabilities. Included in that investment are five state-of-the-art machines, including a five-axis CNC milling machine, and a melamine press line that produces 2 panels per minute.

idX PanelWorks will support all idX facilities, with a particular focus on melamine and thermoforming. While all idX facilities have milling capabilities, PanelWorks will triple current capacity, as well as produce more complex, three-dimensional pieces.

idX is hiring managers, engineers, machine operators and laborers to support the new capabilities.

Because idX is always one step ahead in developing solutions for the ever-changing needs of our customers.
Because idX continues to grow capabilities and facilities to support our clients’ future plans.
Because idX is committed to delivering the best solutions to a global market.
Because you need a supplier you can depend on.

While at the show, be sure to visit the idX booth #4202 to learn more about our expanded capabilities and services.

You’ll see why… it’s Black and White… the Solution is idX.

idX has expanded its managment team and facilities in response to ongoing business growth.

"As sales hit record highs in 2008, we have expanded our capacity and capabilities to accommodate this growth," said CEO Terry Schultz. "We anticipate continued growth in the coming year, and have planned to bring on more capacity to meet those demands."

To round out idX's growing global footprint, an additional 650,000 sq. ft. of capacity will be added in 2009.

With the recent and upcoming changes, idX will have expanded pure-wood manufacturing capacities, in addition to the metal and acrylic, plus further distribution benefits.

"In tandem with a growing staff and facilities, idX has developed new initiatives in the financial market, expanded point-of-purchase capabilities and launched idXis2 (Integrated Strategic Services), a portfolio of capabilities ranging from branding through installation.

"During this period of unprecedented growth, we're also very proud of the strong leadership role idX has established in the sustainable retail movement," Schultz said. "It has become a fundamental aspect of our business."

idX has named Gordon S. Bjorkman III Vice President Strategic Accounts.

Bjorkman joins idX from six years at Leggett & Platt, where he was Director of Business Development - sales and design management. He is ASID certified.

In his new position, Bjorkman will report to Bill Delaney, idX Vice President of Sales.

"idX is fortunate to have the opportunity to bring on board such a talented professional, further enhancing our ability to serve the marketplace," said Delaney. "We believe idX has assembled the best available team in the industry, and we plan to further enhance our staff as talent continues to become available."