OTTO Controls doesn't just build; we build with purpose, guided by deep insights into the end-user experience. By embedding user feedback directly into our development cycle, we ensure that every solution we create is highly customized, optimized for performance and designed with user satisfaction in mind.

Our process begins with a comprehensive consultation to fully understand customer objectives and define product scope. This collaborative approach fosters the development of solutions tailored to specific needs, evolving from individual component customization to full systems integration.

Projects range from unique grip designs to innovative commercial armrest and panel solutions for vehicle cabs. All projects focus on enhancing the end-user experience and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Regional Sales Manager Dan Dodson elaborates: “One example of this approach involved a prominent forklift manufacturer that sought to develop a more ergonomic and aesthetically appealing grip. Through a collaborative approach, our team successfully designed a custom grip that met all the client’s requirements while addressing key pain points.”

This project presented numerous challenges, mostly due to the complexity of the contour grip design. The primary engineering challenge was to ensure both manufacturability and moldability. To overcome this, OTTO deployed an iterative approach, utilizing 3D-printed prototypes to refine the shape and size.

What made the custom grip particularly unique was its horizontal mounting within the forklift cab. OTTO engineers meticulously considered switch layout and ergonomic positioning to achieve optimal reach for the thumb and forefinger. Additionally, engineers ensured ergonomic placement of the switches within the grip's head and an overall seamless integration.

Sales Project Engineer Eric Woodworth states, “Patience and persistence go a long way when interacting with customers to get the solution right, even if it takes several iterations over an extended period of time. Making our own assumptions, without listening to the customer and their specific needs, will almost always end with an unsatisfied customer.” This allowed us to rapidly incorporate customer feedback, producing evaluation samples that significantly shortened development timelines.

The success of this project was largely attributed to the seamless collaboration between the sales, customer and engineering teams, coupled with our vertically integrated capabilities. This integration enabled us to quickly adapt to design modifications, ultimately delivering a tailored solution that precisely met the client's needs.

By fostering a dynamic design process that encourages innovation and collaborative problem-solving, we easily transition from initial conceptual sketch to robust, customized solutions that address critical challenges. Our vertically integrated approach streamlines product development, facilitating efficient transitions from design through prototyping and comprehensive testing, ensuring timely and effective delivery.

For those seeking a collaborative partner to translate their unique vision into precisely engineered, customized cab solutions, OTTO is the ideal choice. We bring even the most complex design concepts to fruition, and we are committed to realizing your vision.

OTTO is your trusted partner. What can we build for you?