In December 2004, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a report warning against the dangers to children of paper shredders in the house. At the same time, Fellowes had already begun its trek to create a safer shredder. Fellowes had come to EMD with that general desire and some mechanical improvements to make the shredders safe. Instinctively and without hesitation, EMD applied the Power of Perspectives™ to Fellowes’ request, reframed the problem, and found an ideal solution. As it turned out, the answer was not at all mechanical in nature – rather, it was bio-electric. Safe-Sense® was born. Using this new framework, EMD invented a solution so unique that …

• multiple utility patent applications were filed

• it influenced revised UL standards

• the base technology began to be touted by the CPSC

Through this work, Fellowes delivered a benefit so valuable that …

• the first Safe Sense® shredder became Fellowes biggest selling SKU ever

• the feature is now standard on all models in the Power Shred line

But EMD’s efforts enabled Safe Sense® beyond merely inventing it. EMD facilitated the path through Fellowes’ technical stage gate; EMD facilitated the technology transfer to multiple Asian manufacturing units; EMD troubleshot gaps in commercialization and post launch execution; and EMD’s cumulated know-how brought the Safe Sense® shredder from idea to retail shelf in less than 15 months.

Fellowes Powershred® DS-1 Shredder

Advertising & Media Coverage

Copyright © 2007 EMD, Inc. All rights reserved.