A multi-site manufacturing network gives customers access to a range of capabilities with a single partner. And when one manufacturer handles more processes, they’ll have greater control over quality, cost, and lead times.
One recent project shows how ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions translates those advantages into better results for our customers.
For many years before joining ReNEW, TIW has been producing a heavy-duty part used in ground support equipment for aircraft on airport tarmacs. These are large parts; the completed assemblies ultimately end up weighing as much as 50,000 pounds.
The parts that TIW manufactures require large steel plates up to two inches thick. Material of that size and weight can be difficult to process, and manufacturers often need specialized equipment for that kind of large-format machining and fabrication.
When TIW first started making the parts, they were not part of the ReNEW network, so they did not have every capability required to complete the work internally. The plates were sent to an outside processor for cutting before TIW manually tapped and drilled the holes. The team could manufacture the parts, but the process required significant labor and a long production schedule.
When TIW joined the ReNEW network, we reviewed the entire manufacturing process to see if there were opportunities for improvement. We saw that capabilities at other ReNEW locations could eliminate outside processing and reduce the amount of manual work required.
Today, one ReNEW site cuts the heavy plate, while another uses large-scale precision CNC machining to machine the required holes. The components still move between facilities, but the work remains within the ReNEW network instead of depending on outside processors.
Certain steps like tapping and drilling holes used to take days, but now take only hours. As a result, the total production timeline has decreased drastically.
We have a network of trusted vendors, but even so, outside processing adds uncertainty to a production schedule. Manufacturers have limited visibility into another company’s workload and priorities.
Keeping the work within ReNEW gives us visibility to provide more reliable lead-time estimates and respond more quickly if requirements or production priorities change.
Because of the size of these parts, manual drilling and tapping took a great deal of time. Moving those operations to CNC equipment dramatically reduced the time required and helped us create a process that could scale more easily.
CNC machining lets ReNEW drill holes efficiently with consistent accuracy. And we now have greater control over the actual cutting of the plates, which improves edge quality and surface condition from the beginning. That reduces deburring and finishing later.
When work is performed within the ReNEW network, teams have greater visibility into its status at every stage. It simplifies coordination and improves customer communication because we don’t have to wait for updates from an outside processor.
This project shows how connecting different capabilities like machining and custom metal fabrication across our many facilities helps you simplify your sourcing and reduce lead times. If you have a project that could benefit from our multi-site network, let’s connect! Contact ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions to discuss your project or request a quote.