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Textainer has a comprehensive new production quality control program. The main features
of Textainer's program are:
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Specification Design
Textainer's specification is reviewed on an ongoing basis to take advantage of the
latest technical and design features, and more importantly to learn the lessons
that emerge from "in-service" containers. Our specification is designed
to minimize damage and associated repair costs.
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Material Selection
Textainer's specification incorporates the use of corrosion-resistant steel such
as Corten and high grade coatings such as zinc rich primer and Tectyl 121B.
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Material Testing
Steel and primer samples are taken at all manufacturers on a regular basis, to ensure
compliance to specification.
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Pre-Production Audits
New manufacturers are visited prior to the start of Textainer's production to eliminate
problems before they affect Textainer.
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On-Line Quality Control
Textainer's technicians perform on-line quality control at all manufacturers. The
emphasis of our program is to work closely with our manufactures to prevent problems.
Textainer employs six full-time technicians, supervised by our Director of Technical
Services.
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Technician Training and Management
Textainer trains its technicians on an on-going basis. The technicians are also
regularly rotated among factories to avoid over-familiarity and to benefit from
varied experiences.
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New Production Inspection Guideline
Textainer has compiled a comprehensive and purpose-designed New Production Inspection
Guideline. This is regularly reviewed and updated.
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Component Suppliers
Textainer maintains very close control over key component suppliers. In particular,
paint, flooring and decal suppliers must be approved by Textainer, and must demonstrate
a consistently high level of "hands on" technical support at each manufacturer's
facility.
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Commercial Interaction
Many container buyers have separate purchasing departments from technical
departments, the latter often operating in a complete vacuum.
At Textainer these functions are combined under one department, and the "power
of the check book" is used to support the technical department and its quality
control efforts.
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In-Service Performance
The performance of containers is regularly monitored while in service. Potential
defects are highlighted and warranty claims initiated where necessary.
Textainer has 15 full or part-time, strategically located technical managers, all
of whom are both IICL-trained and experienced container inspectors.
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