How Superior Quality and Competitive Pricing Won Over a California Technical College
Case Study: College Auto Tech Facility Upgrade
Industry: Education – Technical/Vocational Training
Location: California
End User: College Auto Tech Program
Solution: Modular Cabinet System
The Challenge
A college’s auto tech program needed to upgrade their shop storage and workspace solutions to better serve their students and instructors. The facility had been using another manufacturer’s modular cabinet system, but when it came time to expand and replace aging equipment, the college wanted to thoroughly evaluate their options.
The primary challenge wasn’t just finding storage solutions, but finding a system that could:
- Match the quality expectations of professional automotive technicians who teach at the college
- Integrate seamlessly with existing counter configurations
- Provide smooth, reliable drawer operation that would withstand daily use by students
- Deliver all of this at a competitive price point
With five experienced automotive technicians evaluating the options, the decision needed to be backed by hands-on comparison, not just specifications on paper.
The Evaluation Process
The college took a methodical approach to their decision. They requested a sample cabinet from Lyon to conduct a side-by-side comparison with the current cabinets they own. This real-world testing proved crucial.
The college’s five automotive technicians examined every detail:
- Drawer glide systems and smoothness of operation
- Build quality and structural integrity
- Overall fit and finish
- Value for investment
The comparison revealed significant differences in quality between manufacturers. Lyon’s drawer glide systems demonstrated superior smoothness and durability, with robust all-metal construction. In contrast, competing products featured plastic components in their glide mechanisms that felt less substantial and reliable – a critical factor when cabinets will be accessed hundreds of times daily by students learning automotive repair.
One competitor even sent replacement glides after the initial comparison, asking the college to swap them out and re-evaluate. This approach understandably didn’t inspire confidence in their product consistency.
The Lyon Solution
Lyon provided a comprehensive storage and workspace solution featuring:
Products Installed:
- Modular Cabinets – Heavy-duty storage with superior drawer glide systems
- Industrial Shelving – Durable shelving for parts and equipment storage
- Workbenches – Professional-grade work surfaces for student projects
Custom Requirements Met:
The facility had an existing counter configuration from their previous setup. Lyon’s modular cabinet system with overheads was flexible enough to match and integrate with the existing counter, preserving the college’s investment while upgrading the quality of the storage components. Industrial shelving units and a modular workbench add both additional storage and a functional work space.
Added Value Services:
Beyond product quality, Lyon provided detailed SketchUp renderings of the proposed layout. These 3D visualizations helped the college planning team visualize exactly how the new configuration would look and function in their space – a service that competing bidders did not offer. This attention to detail and customer support proved valuable in the decision-making process.
The Results
The college selected Lyon based on three key factors:
- Superior Quality – The hands-on comparison made the quality difference undeniable, particularly in the drawer glide systems that would see constant daily use
- Design Support – Professional layout drawings helped ensure optimal space utilization
- Better Value – Lyon delivered higher quality at a lower total cost than competing options
Customer Feedback
Following installation, the college sent formal thanks to both Lyon and their local distributor, specifically acknowledging:
- The time and effort invested in the evaluation and design process
- Their satisfaction with the new cabinet systems
- The overall quality of the finished installation
The college received exactly what they needed: professional-grade storage solutions that would serve their automotive technology students reliably for years to come, all while achieving cost savings compared to alternative options.
Key Takeaways
This project demonstrates several important principles for technical education facility planning:
- Hands-on evaluation matters – Specifications don’t tell the whole story; physical samples reveal quality differences
- Quality impacts total cost of ownership – Superior construction and components mean longer service life and less maintenance
- Design support adds value – Professional layout visualization helps stakeholders make confident decisions
- Integration capability is crucial – Flexible systems that work with existing infrastructure save money and reduce disruption
For technical colleges and vocational training facilities, the equipment available for students to learn on reflects the standards of the industry they’re preparing to enter. The college’s thorough evaluation process ensured their automotive technology students would train with storage and workspace solutions that meet professional standards.
About Lyon Products
Lyon has been manufacturing premium industrial storage and workspace solutions in the USA for over 125 years. Our modular cabinets, shelving systems, and workbenches are engineered for demanding environments including educational facilities, manufacturing plants, maintenance shops, and technical training centers.
Interested in upgrading your facility’s storage and workspace solutions? Contact Lyon or your local authorized dealer to request product samples and discuss your specific requirements.
This case study features a project completed through Lyon’s authorized dealer network. Lyon maintains a nationwide network of dealers who provide local expertise, custom design services, and professional installation support.
