Page 32 - MetalForming June 2009

Error-Free
Automated
a Money Saver
An inhouse-designed automated-staking assembly cell economically eliminates human error in producing seating components for this Tennessee automotive supplier.
BY CHRIS DANIEL
tional has accepted that challenge with gusto. Consider the custom-built stak- ing assembly cell perfected inhouse to produce seating components for long- time automotive customer CRH (C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co., with North American headquarters in Clan- ton, AL). The components, incorporat- ed into seating mechanisms at CRH, then head to a Tier One seating manu- facturer that builds out complete seat- ing modules destined for Ford F-Series vehicles, as well as the Focus, Flex, Lin- coln Towncar and others.
How dependable is Orchid’s new staking assembly cell? Since it entered production in February 2008, no defec- tive parts have been reported by the customer.
“Our efforts saved $64,000 per year in direct labor costs,” says Volz, “plus untold savings to our customer and our company by successfully eliminat- ing every conceivable error.”
Assembly
Fixtured parts undergo staking in an automated assembly cell at the Mount Juliet, TN, stamping and automated- assembly operation of Orchid Interna- tional. The cell, designed and built inhouse, has eliminated human error during assembly, according to compa- ny officials.
Dwindling automotive volumes have forced parts suppliers to re-examine production and squeeze efficien- cies out of every process. The Mount Juliet, TN, stamping and automated- assembly operation of Orchid Interna-
Chris Daniel is marketing and commu- nications manager at Orchid Interna- tional, Brentwood, TN; tel. 615/373- 7664, www.orchidinternational.com.
30 METALFORMING / JUNE 2009
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