Kimberly-Clark’s new production line was due to
start producing a different type of interleaved tissue.
Knowing that their current center-feed dispensers
wouldn’t work with the new tissue and that they
would need a new “ground-up” design they
contacted the London firm Hothouse, who
contracted Steve to develop a new mechanical
design and deliver production ready tooling data.
The brief was to reliably dispense their tissue, and
eliminate the need for key locking.
“One of the unique challenges of this
project was ensuring the tooled product
would be available as the new tissue
started rolling of the production line...” -
Steve Middleton (named inventor of the
Patented Design.
“Although I’d spent months developing
alternative dispensers with prototype
paper, the schedule meant that I only
had access to the “final” tissue paper
once the production line had started,
this meant that the toolmaker would be
roughing out the major tools, around
the area of tool I’d de-marked as “no go”
.
Center Feed
Tissue Dispenser
Kimberly Clark
The production tissue actually behaved
quiet differently, necessitating a
fundamental amendment to the tissue
path for the final design.
The product launched on time with
outstandingly consistent pull-test results.
The patented design has no metal fixings
or springs so is 100% recyclable.
The innovative arrangement of 12 one-
way moulded hinges prevents roll theft
and eliminates the need for any keys.
