Case Study: Enhancing Efficiency in Metal Forming Manufacturing

Customer Profile:

As a premier, custom engineering manufacturer specializing in metal forming, our client plays a vital role in supporting global forming technologies. They cater to diverse markets, including automotive, commercial, and industrial sectors. This breadth of expertise underscores their commitment to delivering unparalleled quality and innovation in metal forming solutions.

Industry Focus:

Automotive

Application Overview:

Our collaboration involved the optimization of 10 Ajax Mechanical Presses, including a 2500T Ajax Press, and an array of Ajax Mechanical Presses ranging from 1300T to 4000T. This project was key to enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of these critical manufacturing assets.

Challenges Encountered:

Our client faced significant challenges when urgent repairs caused operational disruption and machine downtime. This unforeseen downtime not only impeded production but also threatened to derail project timelines and financial forecasts.

The Ajax/CECO/Erie Stocking Program:

In response to this serious problem, our client leveraged our industry-leading Ajax/CECO/Erie Press Stocking Program. This innovative program enabled them to stockpile essential parts, dramatically reducing the lead time for replacement components by 19 weeks. This expedited response was crucial to mitigating the impact of the unexpected machine failure. Notably, the required part was ordered on May 18th and was ready for pickup by the client on May 23rd, merely four working days later.

Our Parts Stocking Program is crucial for minimizing unexpected downtime and facilitating a quicker and more cost-effective return to full operational capacity. The current lead time for new replacement components can extend to 22-24 weeks, underscoring the value of our program.

Furthermore, this approach yielded significant financial benefits for our client. Due to inflation and escalating demand, the cost of the required parts had surged since their initial purchase. By proactively incorporating these components into their stocking program 24 months prior and paying only half upfront, with no additional costs until needed, our client realized a savings of $20,000 off the current sales price.

The Ajax/CECO/Erie Press Advantage:

Our partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) like Ajax/CECO/Erie Press provide unparalleled benefits. For example, our intimate knowledge of the original designed and engineered specifications for the forging and forming equipment’s components ensures not only the restoration of initial functionality but also safeguards against potential future failures. We considered factors such as material hardness/softness and component clearances. As a result, the part ordered was tailor-made for their 2500T Ajax Press and provided a perfect fit at assembly, without the need for any modifications.

Conclusion:

This case study exemplifies our commitment to providing innovative forging and forming solutions that address the immediate needs of our clients while also anticipating future challenges. Through strategic planning and the utilization of our Stocking Program, we were able to significantly reduce downtime and save costs for our client, reinforcing the value of our partnership and our dedication to their success.

Ready to elevate your manufacturing process with high-quality forging and forming equipment parts? Contact us today to discover how Ajax/CECO/Erie Press can drive your success!