The Generation of a PCI Case

Kendra asked me to post something to her blog, and I'd thought I'd respond to some of our recent questions with an operations upate.

Since the beginning of this year, we've had 24 churches ask for systems to be delivered before Easter. We've made 455 cases to date and need to make 128 more before Easter. Even though cases make up only about 15% of our sales, they are about 100% of what I'm thinking about today. So here's the lifecycle of a PCI case:



A PCI case starts out as a piece of ultralight plywood and is cut out on a CNC machine. (Computerized Numerically Controlled)






The sides of the case are then stapled together with a pneumatic staple gun.



Carpet is then glued to the case using a non-toxic, heat-activated glue. This is the most labor-intensive step, but the carpet provides a finished look, prevents splinters, adds strength, and supports velcro attachments.














The next step is to attach the hardware and non-marring castors. Shelf cases are then customized to provide protective, efficient space for each piece of equipment owned by the church.

The case is then loaded with the other 85% of what PCI provides--everything from soundboards and speakers to diapers and toys to coffee and signs.

Everything that a church needs to turn a rented facility into church home has a designated spot in a designated case in a designated trailer.


The organization is documented on placards that are placed both inside and outside of the case. The cases are then loaded into a trailer, a semi, or a shipping container.

As you can see, the case process is comprehensive and intensive. From the quality and strength of the cases to their integration & organization, we go to great lengths to ensure that every facet of a system is taken into consideration before delivery. As our Core Value #3 states: Excellence honors God and reflects His character. I hope you've enjoyed the bird's eye view of the PCI process. Further questions can be directed to brian@portablechurch.com.

NOTE: These pictures were taken on 3/2/06 and these cases have since crossed the ocean, and will be used to set up church for New Hope Diamond Head in Hawaii this weekend.


© Brian Koehn, Portable Church Industries