8+ Who Makes Westinghouse Generators? (2024 Guide)


8+ Who Makes Westinghouse Generators? (2024 Guide)

The Westinghouse generator model represents a fancy manufacturing panorama. Whereas the title carries an extended and storied historical past originating with George Westinghouse’s pioneering work in electrical methods, the manufacturing of mills bearing this title has advanced by way of numerous company entities and licensing agreements. Understanding this lineage is essential to figuring out the particular producer for a given product, as completely different firms might maintain manufacturing rights for various fashions or areas.

Realizing the supply of a generator is important for customers. This data can impression guarantee claims, elements availability, and repair help. Moreover, the historical past of innovation and reliability related to the Westinghouse title underscores the continued significance of those energy options for a wide range of functions, from residential backup energy to industrial-scale electrical energy technology. The enduring legacy of the model highlights the importance of its merchandise in guaranteeing energy reliability and resilience throughout quite a few sectors.

This text delves additional into the particular producers at the moment producing mills underneath the Westinghouse model, inspecting their respective product traces, geographic markets, and the implications for customers looking for dependable energy options. We will even discover the historical past of Westinghouse and its contribution to the facility technology trade, providing a complete understanding of this iconic model.

1. Westinghouse Electrical Company (licensor)

Westinghouse Electrical Company performs a pivotal function within the manufacturing panorama of Westinghouse-branded mills. Because the licensor of the model title, Westinghouse Electrical Company doesn’t straight manufacture the mills. As a substitute, it grants different firms the fitting to provide and promote mills underneath the Westinghouse model. This licensing settlement is central to understanding “who makes Westinghouse mills.” The settlement dictates high quality management requirements and model utilization tips, guaranteeing consistency throughout completely different producers. As an example, Generac Energy Methods, a distinguished generator producer, holds a license from Westinghouse Electrical Company, permitting them to provide and distribute sure Westinghouse-branded generator fashions. This relationship highlights the excellence between model possession and manufacturing.

The implications of this licensing mannequin are vital. Customers in search of Westinghouse mills encounter merchandise manufactured by completely different firms, doubtlessly resulting in variations in design, options, and help. Recognizing Westinghouse Electrical Company because the licensor clarifies that the corporate primarily oversees model administration and mental property. This distinction is essential when researching particular generator fashions, because the precise producer will likely be chargeable for warranties, elements, and customer support. Understanding this construction empowers customers to make knowledgeable selections and direct inquiries to the suitable entity for help.

In conclusion, whereas Westinghouse Electrical Company holds the legacy and authority of the Westinghouse title, its function as licensor separates it from direct manufacturing. This licensing construction varieties a fancy community of producers producing Westinghouse mills. Recognizing this distinction is essential for navigating the market, understanding product variations, and accessing applicable help channels. The Westinghouse Electrical Company’s function as licensor highlights the significance of researching the particular producer of a given Westinghouse generator mannequin for sensible functions resembling guarantee claims and elements acquisition.

2. MWE Investments (model proprietor)

MWE Investments holds a vital place in understanding the manufacturing panorama of Westinghouse mills. Because the model proprietor, MWE Investments oversees the Westinghouse model’s software throughout numerous product classes, together with mills. This function distinguishes them from the producers and the unique Westinghouse Electrical Company. Understanding MWE Investments’ place clarifies the complexities of the Westinghouse model’s presence within the generator market.

  • Model Administration and Licensing

    MWE Investments manages the Westinghouse model and licenses its use to producers like Generac. This licensing settlement dictates the phrases of use, together with high quality management and branding tips. For instance, the settlement would possibly specify the position of the Westinghouse emblem on the mills and the required efficiency requirements. This ensures model consistency throughout completely different producers and product traces. Consequently, customers see a unified model picture regardless of variations within the precise manufacturing supply.

  • Product Portfolio and Technique

    MWE Investments determines the general product portfolio underneath the Westinghouse model. This contains selections concerning the sorts of mills provided, their goal markets, and the general model positioning. As an example, MWE Investments would possibly determine to develop the Westinghouse generator line to incorporate extra transportable fashions for tenting or bigger standby mills for house use. These strategic selections affect the sorts of Westinghouse-branded mills obtainable to customers.

  • Advertising and Distribution

    Whereas producers deal with the manufacturing and preliminary distribution, MWE Investments seemingly performs a task within the total advertising and branding technique. This contains promoting campaigns, model messaging, and the general public notion of Westinghouse mills. For instance, MWE Investments may match with advertising companies to create commercials that emphasize the reliability and heritage of the Westinghouse title. These advertising efforts contribute to the model’s visibility and affect client buying selections.

  • Client Notion and Model Worth

    MWE Investments is chargeable for sustaining the worth and integrity of the Westinghouse model. This entails guaranteeing that licensed producers adhere to high quality requirements and that the model’s popularity stays sturdy. Destructive experiences with a selected Westinghouse generator mannequin, whatever the producer, can impression the general model notion. Subsequently, MWE Investments has a vested curiosity in guaranteeing constant high quality and constructive buyer experiences throughout all Westinghouse-branded merchandise.

In essence, MWE Investments acts because the central authority for the Westinghouse model, connecting the legacy of Westinghouse Electrical Company with the manufacturing experience of firms like Generac. This intricate relationship is essential for understanding the present panorama of Westinghouse mills, the place model possession, licensing, and manufacturing are distinct however interconnected parts. Customers profit from understanding this construction because it clarifies the roles of various entities concerned in bringing Westinghouse mills to market, in the end aiding knowledgeable buying selections.

3. Generac Energy Methods (producer)

Generac Energy Methods performs a big function in answering the query of who makes Westinghouse mills. A distinguished participant within the energy technology trade, Generac manufactures a number of Westinghouse-branded transportable and residential standby mills underneath a licensing settlement with Westinghouse Electrical Company and model proprietor MWE Investments. This relationship is essential for understanding the present manufacturing panorama of Westinghouse mills. It clarifies that whereas the Westinghouse title carries historic weight and model recognition, the precise manufacturing of many models falls underneath Generac’s purview. This manufacturing partnership influences numerous facets of the ultimate product, from design and engineering to high quality management and guarantee help.

The impression of Generac’s involvement extends to a number of sensible areas. As an example, Generac’s manufacturing capabilities and provide chain affect the supply and pricing of Westinghouse mills. Their engineering experience contributes to the options and efficiency of those mills. Moreover, Generac’s customer support community typically handles guarantee claims and offers technical help for Westinghouse-branded mills they produce. A concrete instance might be seen within the Westinghouse WGen7500 transportable generator, typically manufactured by Generac. Customers looking for help for this mannequin would seemingly work together with Generac’s customer support infrastructure. This highlights the sensible significance of understanding the Generac connection when buying or proudly owning a Westinghouse generator.

In abstract, Generac Energy Methods’ function as a producer of Westinghouse mills clarifies a crucial facet of the model’s present market presence. This manufacturing partnership impacts product availability, options, help, and the general client expertise. Recognizing Generac’s involvement offers a extra full understanding of “who makes Westinghouse mills” and empowers customers to make knowledgeable selections based mostly on the mixed legacy of the Westinghouse model and the manufacturing experience of Generac Energy Methods. The collaboration represents a fancy interaction between model heritage and trendy manufacturing capabilities inside the energy technology trade.

4. Moveable Turbines

Moveable mills characterize a big phase of the Westinghouse generator market and understanding their connection to the query of “who makes Westinghouse mills” is essential for customers. Westinghouse presents a spread of transportable mills designed for numerous functions, from leisure actions like tenting and tailgating to emergency backup energy for houses and small companies. These mills are usually gasoline-powered and supply various energy outputs to go well with completely different wants. The manufacturing of those transportable models typically falls underneath the purview of Generac Energy Methods, as per their licensing settlement with Westinghouse. Because of this the design, manufacturing, and help for a lot of Westinghouse transportable mills leverage Generac’s manufacturing infrastructure and experience. For instance, fashions just like the Westinghouse WGen7500 and smaller models within the WGen sequence are steadily produced by Generac, impacting facets like guarantee dealing with and elements availability.

The significance of transportable mills inside the broader context of Westinghouse’s product choices lies of their versatility and accessibility. They supply a available energy answer for a variety of eventualities, contributing considerably to Westinghouse’s market attain. This phase caters to customers looking for dependable energy for leisure functions or as a backup answer throughout energy outages, increasing the sensible functions of the Westinghouse model past bigger, stationary mills. Understanding that Generac typically manufactures these transportable models offers sensible implications for customers. This information directs inquiries relating to guarantee, service, and elements to the suitable channels, streamlining the client expertise and guaranteeing environment friendly help. Moreover, recognizing Generac’s manufacturing function presents perception into the technological lineage and high quality management processes influencing these transportable Westinghouse mills.

In abstract, transportable mills characterize a key element of the Westinghouse generator market. These models, steadily manufactured by Generac, develop the model’s attain and supply versatile energy options for numerous client wants. The sensible significance of understanding this manufacturing connection lies in streamlined buyer help and knowledgeable buying selections, in the end contributing to a clearer understanding of the up to date panorama of Westinghouse mills. This information equips customers to navigate the market successfully and entry the suitable sources for his or her particular transportable generator wants. It reinforces the interconnectedness of brand name legacy, licensing agreements, and manufacturing experience in shaping the ultimate product and client expertise.

5. Residence Standby Turbines

Residence standby mills characterize a crucial phase inside the Westinghouse generator market, and understanding their manufacturing panorama is crucial for answering the query of “who makes Westinghouse mills.” These mills, considerably bigger than their transportable counterparts, present computerized backup energy to houses throughout outages, providing a seamless transition and enhanced energy safety. Exploring their manufacturing clarifies the roles of assorted entities concerned in bringing these important energy options to market.

  • Generac’s Manufacturing Function

    Much like many Westinghouse transportable mills, a number of house standby fashions are manufactured by Generac Energy Methods underneath their licensing settlement. This collaboration leverages Generac’s manufacturing experience and established provide chain, influencing elements resembling product availability, pricing, and technological options. As an example, a home-owner researching a Westinghouse house standby generator would possibly encounter fashions produced by Generac. This highlights the significance of recognizing the producer behind the Westinghouse model when contemplating guarantee, service, and elements.

  • Energy Output and Gasoline Supply

    Westinghouse house standby mills usually run on pure gasoline or propane and supply substantial energy output to cowl important family circuits. This deal with whole-home backup differentiates them from smaller transportable mills, catering to customers prioritizing steady energy provide throughout prolonged outages. The producer, typically Generac, performs a key function in engineering these mills for optimum gasoline effectivity and efficiency at increased energy ranges.

  • Set up and Upkeep

    Residence standby mills require skilled set up as a result of their connection to a house’s electrical system and gasoline provide. This set up course of typically entails licensed electricians and technicians, additional emphasizing the significance of understanding the particular producer. Whether or not Generac or one other licensed producer, the producer usually offers set up tips and coaching to make sure correct setup and operation. Publish-installation upkeep, together with common inspections and servicing, additionally depends on the producer’s suggestions and help community.

  • Guarantee and Help

    Guarantee protection and technical help for Westinghouse house standby mills are usually dealt with by the manufacturing entity, typically Generac. Understanding this clarifies the channels for guarantee claims, troubleshooting, and elements substitute. A house owner experiencing points with their Westinghouse house standby generator would seemingly contact Generac’s customer support if Generac manufactured the unit. This underscores the sensible significance of figuring out the manufacturing supply for post-purchase help.

In conclusion, whereas the Westinghouse title represents the model and its related legacy, understanding the manufacturing panorama, typically involving Generac Energy Methods, is essential for customers contemplating house standby mills. This information informs buying selections, clarifies help channels, and offers perception into the know-how and experience behind these important energy options. It reinforces the interconnectedness of brand name identification, licensing agreements, and manufacturing partnerships in shaping the patron expertise inside the house standby generator market.

6. Particular Mannequin Variations

Particular mannequin variations inside the Westinghouse generator lineup introduce nuances to the query of “who makes Westinghouse mills.” Whereas a good portion of Westinghouse-branded mills are manufactured by Generac Energy Methods, variations exist throughout particular fashions, doubtlessly involving different producers or distinct manufacturing traces. These variations can manifest in several engine varieties, alternator designs, management panel layouts, and total generator configurations. Understanding these model-specific nuances is essential for customers, because it straight impacts after-sales help, elements compatibility, and the general person expertise. For instance, a selected Westinghouse transportable generator mannequin would possibly characteristic a Briggs & Stratton engine as an alternative of the extra frequent Generac engine present in different fashions. This distinction impacts upkeep procedures, elements sourcing, and even the generator’s efficiency traits. Equally, variations in house standby generator fashions would possibly contain completely different switch swap configurations or management panel functionalities, necessitating particular set up procedures and operational concerns. Recognizing these model-specific particulars turns into paramount for each installers and end-users.

The sensible significance of understanding mannequin variations extends past technical specs. It straight impacts guarantee claims and buyer help. Whereas the Westinghouse model title offers a unifying identification, the precise producer of a selected mannequin dictates the guarantee phrases and the suitable channels for buyer help. A client contacting Westinghouse straight for help is perhaps redirected to the particular producer chargeable for that exact mannequin. Subsequently, figuring out the right producer related to a selected mannequin streamlines the help course of, guaranteeing environment friendly guarantee claims and entry to related technical experience. This underscores the significance of consulting product documentation and figuring out the manufacturing entity related to a selected Westinghouse generator mannequin, reasonably than relying solely on the model title itself.

In conclusion, whereas the Westinghouse model and its licensing agreements present a framework for generator manufacturing, particular mannequin variations introduce complexities relating to the precise producer. These variations impression technical specs, upkeep procedures, guarantee claims, and total buyer help. Recognizing these model-specific nuances empowers customers and installers to make knowledgeable selections, entry applicable help channels, and guarantee optimum efficiency and longevity of their Westinghouse mills. Finally, understanding these particulars clarifies the query of “who makes Westinghouse mills” on a granular degree, shifting past the model title and delving into the particular manufacturing origins of every mannequin inside the Westinghouse lineup.

7. Regional producers (doubtlessly)

Regional producers doubtlessly play a task within the manufacturing of Westinghouse mills, including one other layer of complexity to the query of “who makes Westinghouse mills.” Whereas main producers like Generac Energy Methods deal with a good portion of Westinghouse generator manufacturing, the opportunity of regional producers introduces variations within the manufacturing panorama. This decentralized method might stem from strategic partnerships, localized manufacturing agreements, or particular market calls for. The involvement of regional producers can affect product availability, lead instances, and even model-specific configurations tailor-made to regional necessities. For instance, a regional producer would possibly specialise in producing smaller, gasoline-powered transportable mills designed for particular climates or native rules. This localized manufacturing might result in variations in engine specs, gasoline tank sizes, and even outlet configurations in comparison with fashions produced by bigger producers like Generac. Understanding the potential involvement of regional producers is essential for customers looking for particular product configurations or navigating regional service networks. It underscores the significance of verifying the producer related to a selected mannequin and area, reasonably than assuming uniform manufacturing throughout the complete Westinghouse generator line.

The sensible implications of regional manufacturing prolong to a number of areas. Guarantee help, elements availability, and repair networks would possibly fluctuate relying on the regional producer concerned. A client buying a Westinghouse generator in a selected area would possibly discover that guarantee claims are dealt with by an area service supplier reasonably than Generac’s centralized help community. Equally, elements availability could possibly be influenced by the regional producer’s provide chain and stock administration practices. Recognizing these potential variations empowers customers to make knowledgeable buying selections, anticipate regional service variations, and proactively tackle potential help challenges. It highlights the significance of researching not solely the Westinghouse mannequin but additionally the particular producer and their regional presence, particularly when contemplating long-term possession and upkeep necessities.

In conclusion, the potential involvement of regional producers within the manufacturing of Westinghouse mills introduces complexities that necessitate a nuanced understanding of the manufacturing panorama. This decentralized method can affect product specs, help networks, and the general client expertise. Whereas bigger producers like Generac play a dominant function, recognizing the potential contribution of regional producers clarifies the multifaceted nature of “who makes Westinghouse mills.” This consciousness empowers customers to navigate regional variations, entry applicable help channels, and in the end make knowledgeable selections tailor-made to their particular location and product necessities. It underscores the significance of contemplating regional elements alongside model recognition and mannequin specs when evaluating Westinghouse mills.

8. Licensed Manufacturing Agreements

Licensed manufacturing agreements type the cornerstone of the Westinghouse generator manufacturing panorama, straight impacting the reply to “who makes Westinghouse mills.” These agreements, orchestrated by Westinghouse Electrical Company (the licensor) and overseen by MWE Investments (the model proprietor), grant particular producers the fitting to provide and promote mills bearing the Westinghouse title. This framework permits numerous producers, together with distinguished gamers like Generac Energy Methods and doubtlessly smaller regional producers, to contribute to the Westinghouse generator market. The agreements outline the scope of manufacturing, encompassing particular fashions, energy ranges, and typically even geographical territories. Consequently, understanding these agreements is essential for deciphering the complicated community of producers behind Westinghouse-branded mills. As an example, Generac’s licensed manufacturing settlement permits them to fabricate and distribute particular Westinghouse transportable and residential standby generator fashions, whereas different producers would possibly deal with completely different segments or regional markets underneath separate agreements. This decentralized, agreement-driven method permits for market diversification and specialised manufacturing, doubtlessly catering to particular client wants and regional calls for.

The implications of licensed manufacturing agreements prolong past manufacturing itself. These agreements typically dictate high quality management requirements, design specs, and even post-sales help protocols. This ensures a level of consistency throughout the Westinghouse generator vary, whatever the particular producer. Nevertheless, variations can nonetheless come up. One producer would possibly prioritize particular engine varieties or alternator designs inside their licensed fashions, resulting in delicate efficiency or upkeep variations. Moreover, licensed manufacturing agreements affect guarantee dealing with and buyer help. A client buying a Westinghouse generator manufactured underneath a selected settlement would possibly discover that guarantee claims are processed by way of that producer’s help community, reasonably than a centralized Westinghouse service middle. Actual-world examples embrace variations in engine manufacturers throughout completely different Westinghouse transportable generator fashions, reflecting the manufacturing selections of the respective licensees. Recognizing these nuances empowers customers to navigate the complexities of guarantee claims and technical help, guaranteeing environment friendly entry to the suitable sources.

In abstract, licensed manufacturing agreements type the inspiration upon which the Westinghouse generator manufacturing ecosystem operates. They decide who manufactures particular fashions, affect design and high quality management, and impression post-sales help. Understanding these agreements is paramount for navigating the complexities of the Westinghouse generator market, successfully answering the query of “who makes Westinghouse mills” and making knowledgeable buying selections. Recognizing the decentralized, agreement-driven nature of Westinghouse generator manufacturing empowers customers to interpret mannequin variations, anticipate help procedures, and in the end make selections aligned with their particular wants and expectations. This understanding permits for a extra nuanced perspective, shifting past the Westinghouse model title and delving into the intricacies of licensed manufacturing partnerships that form the ultimate product providing.

Continuously Requested Questions

This FAQ part addresses frequent inquiries relating to the manufacturing of Westinghouse mills, offering readability on the varied entities concerned and their respective roles.

Query 1: Does Westinghouse manufacture its personal mills?

Westinghouse Electrical Company primarily licenses its model to different producers. Whereas Westinghouse holds a wealthy historical past in electrical engineering, the present manufacturing of Westinghouse-branded mills is primarily dealt with by licensed producers like Generac Energy Methods and doubtlessly different regional producers.

Query 2: Who’s the first producer of Westinghouse mills?

Generac Energy Methods is a distinguished producer of Westinghouse transportable and residential standby mills. They function underneath a licensing settlement with Westinghouse, leveraging their manufacturing capabilities and distribution community to provide and market a good portion of Westinghouse-branded mills.

Query 3: Are all Westinghouse mills made by the identical firm?

Not essentially. Whereas Generac manufactures a big portion, particular fashions, significantly inside completely different product classes or areas, could possibly be produced by different licensed producers. It is important to confirm the producer for a selected mannequin to make sure correct data relating to guarantee and help.

Query 4: The place can one discover details about the particular producer of a Westinghouse generator?

Product documentation, together with the person guide and doubtlessly the product packaging, usually identifies the particular producer. On-line sources, retail web sites, and licensed supplier networks may present details about the producer of a selected Westinghouse generator mannequin.

Query 5: How do licensed manufacturing agreements have an effect on the standard of Westinghouse mills?

Westinghouse Electrical Company establishes high quality management requirements and model tips inside its licensing agreements. This ensures a degree of consistency throughout all Westinghouse-branded mills, whatever the particular producer. Nevertheless, variations in design and options can nonetheless happen based mostly on the manufacturing selections of every licensee.

Query 6: Who handles guarantee claims and help for Westinghouse mills?

Guarantee and help are usually managed by the producer of the particular generator mannequin. Contacting the producer straight, typically indicated within the product documentation, normally offers essentially the most environment friendly help expertise.

Understanding the manufacturing panorama of Westinghouse mills entails recognizing the interaction of brand name possession, licensing agreements, and numerous manufacturing partnerships. This consciousness empowers customers to make knowledgeable selections, entry applicable help channels, and perceive the nuances inside the Westinghouse generator product line.

For additional data relating to particular Westinghouse generator fashions, warranties, and licensed service suppliers, seek the advice of the official Westinghouse web site or contact a licensed supplier.

Suggestions for Buying a Westinghouse Generator

Cautious consideration of a number of elements ensures knowledgeable selections when buying a Westinghouse generator. The following tips supply steering for navigating the complexities of the Westinghouse generator market.

Tip 1: Determine the Particular Producer:
Analysis the particular producer related to the specified Westinghouse generator mannequin. This data impacts guarantee claims, elements availability, and technical help. Seek the advice of product documentation or licensed sellers to verify the producer.

Tip 2: Perceive Licensing Agreements:
Westinghouse makes use of licensed manufacturing agreements, permitting numerous producers to provide mills underneath the Westinghouse model. Recognizing this framework clarifies potential variations in design, options, and help throughout completely different fashions.

Tip 3: Contemplate Regional Variations:
Regional producers would possibly produce particular Westinghouse generator fashions tailor-made to native rules or market calls for. Examine potential regional variations, as they will affect product availability, service networks, and help choices.

Tip 4: Confirm Guarantee and Help Procedures:
Guarantee protection and technical help are usually dealt with by the particular producer of the generator mannequin. Affirm the guarantee phrases and help channels earlier than buying, as they will fluctuate relying on the producer.

Tip 5: Match Energy Output to Wants:
Rigorously assess energy necessities earlier than deciding on a Westinghouse generator. Contemplate the wattage calls for of important home equipment and gear to make sure the chosen generator offers satisfactory energy throughout outages.

Tip 6: Consider Gasoline Supply Choices:
Westinghouse mills supply numerous gasoline choices, together with gasoline, propane, and pure gasoline. Choose a gasoline supply available and appropriate for the supposed software. Contemplate gasoline storage capability and accessibility throughout emergencies.

Tip 7: Analysis Set up Necessities:
Residence standby mills require skilled set up. Issue set up prices and native rules into the buying determination. Confirm compatibility with current electrical methods and gasoline provide traces.

Tip 8: Prioritize Upkeep and Service:
Common upkeep is essential for optimum generator efficiency and longevity. Perceive the really useful upkeep schedule and repair necessities for the chosen mannequin. Determine licensed service suppliers within the native space.

Cautious consideration of the following pointers empowers customers to navigate the Westinghouse generator market successfully, guaranteeing knowledgeable selections aligned with particular person wants and circumstances. Understanding the complexities of producing, licensing, and regional variations contributes to a extra satisfying and dependable energy answer expertise.

These buying concerns facilitate knowledgeable selections, guaranteeing that the chosen Westinghouse generator aligns with particular energy wants and long-term possession expectations. This steering prepares customers to navigate the complexities of the market successfully.

Who Makes Westinghouse Turbines

The exploration of “who makes Westinghouse mills” reveals a multifaceted manufacturing panorama. Westinghouse Electrical Company, the unique entity, licenses its model to numerous producers, together with Generac Energy Methods, a distinguished producer of transportable and residential standby models. This decentralized method, ruled by licensed manufacturing agreements, permits for market diversification and specialised manufacturing, doubtlessly involving regional producers catering to particular calls for. Understanding this community of producers, licensing agreements, and potential regional variations is essential for customers navigating the Westinghouse generator market. This information informs buying selections, clarifies guarantee and help procedures, and permits for a nuanced understanding of model-specific variations.

The Westinghouse model, whereas representing a legacy of innovation in electrical engineering, signifies a fancy community of producing partnerships within the up to date generator market. Customers looking for dependable energy options profit from understanding this complexity. Thorough analysis into the particular producer related to a selected mannequin ensures knowledgeable selections aligned with particular person wants, facilitating environment friendly entry to applicable help channels and optimizing the long-term possession expertise. This consciousness empowers customers to navigate the complexities of the Westinghouse generator market successfully, making selections grounded in a complete understanding of the manufacturing panorama and its implications.