It has long been Wolverine Machine’s strategy to focus on high-quality, value-added processes in order to remain successful. For more than 7 years, Wolverine Machine has used Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMS) in addition to many other quality assurance measures. CMMs are highly accurate machines that inspect parts with tolerances of 9 microns (which is roughly 1/10th the diameter of the average human hair) and smaller.
Wolverine Machine is proud to announce the addition of a new CMM, the Zeiss Contura G2 RDS, into its 32,000 square foot facility located in Holly, MI. This new Zeiss CMM will add to the company’s multitude of current quality assurance machines, expanding precision measurement capabilities and quality control/reliability. “The new high-tech features of the Contura G2 bring us the ability to capture substantial quantities of accurate measurement data in a shorter time while increasing our production, reliability, and quality,” says Steve Pyrc, Quality Manager at Wolverine Machine.
The completely redesigned bridge-type CMM features a next generation scanning platform, perfectly suited to the measurement of complex features and parts. Contura G2 RDS is capable of reaching 20,376 positions in 2.5 degree increments using styli as small as .3mm in diameter. Wolverine Machine purchased many additional fixtures and accessories for the CMM including the ViScan optical probe, which now makes it possible to perform touch and optical measurements on one machine. The ViScan optical probe is an ideal tool for non-contact measurement and analysis of more difficult to check small parts and soft work pieces. “This is the most successful and sought after machine Carl Zeiss IMT has ever developed,” says Josef Schernthaner, Vice President of Operations at Zeiss. This new machine will certainly add to the satisfaction that Wolverine Machine’s customers have come to know and count on. If you would like more information on Wolverine Machine's quality assurance technology or to see how we can help with your next project, please visit us at www.wolverinemachine.com.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Price vs. Cost When Outsourcing
When many companies face a decision of whether or not to outsource certain productions, one of the biggest factors is price. Why pay a local company $5 for a part when the same part can be made in China for $2? Especially now through the economic downturn, more companies than ever are trying to save every penny possible to make it through to the other side. However, the realization is that the costs incurred in most outsourcing ventures overseas end up being much more than the company ever expected.
Take for example Boeing, who decided to outsource the majority of components for its latest and greatest project, the 787 Dreamliner. The lighter and more fuel-efficient Dreamliner is Boeing’s first major new airplane in over a decade. The decision was made to rely on hundreds of foreign suppliers for the majority of the parts, which proved disastrous to production. Originally scheduled to start delivery in May 2008, Boeing now expects delivery in December 2010, over two years late. Not only that, but the project has ended up costing Boeing over $2.5 billion more than planned because of the inconsistencies of the suppliers.
Boeing’s misfortunes highlight a very real issue that companies must face when it comes to the decision of whether or not to rely on foreign suppliers. While it can be a very profitable venture, the hidden costs are often not seen until it is too late. Shipping, training, logistics, legal counsel, project management, duties and taxes, and the cost of intellectual property and quality are just a few of the total cost factors that need to be examined very closely before a decision is made.
Local suppliers offer a higher-quality advantage than most foreign manufacturers due to more experience and a superior standard for quality. At Wolverine Machine, we uphold our commitment to quality during every step of the process, guaranteeing absolute customer approval. Our customers do not need to worry about fluctuating production, late deliveries, inconsistent products, or increasing costs because we have been successful in ensuring satisfaction for over 86 years. If you would like to learn more about Wolverine Machine and how we can help with your next project, please visit www.wolverinemachine.com.
Take for example Boeing, who decided to outsource the majority of components for its latest and greatest project, the 787 Dreamliner. The lighter and more fuel-efficient Dreamliner is Boeing’s first major new airplane in over a decade. The decision was made to rely on hundreds of foreign suppliers for the majority of the parts, which proved disastrous to production. Originally scheduled to start delivery in May 2008, Boeing now expects delivery in December 2010, over two years late. Not only that, but the project has ended up costing Boeing over $2.5 billion more than planned because of the inconsistencies of the suppliers.
Boeing’s misfortunes highlight a very real issue that companies must face when it comes to the decision of whether or not to rely on foreign suppliers. While it can be a very profitable venture, the hidden costs are often not seen until it is too late. Shipping, training, logistics, legal counsel, project management, duties and taxes, and the cost of intellectual property and quality are just a few of the total cost factors that need to be examined very closely before a decision is made.
Local suppliers offer a higher-quality advantage than most foreign manufacturers due to more experience and a superior standard for quality. At Wolverine Machine, we uphold our commitment to quality during every step of the process, guaranteeing absolute customer approval. Our customers do not need to worry about fluctuating production, late deliveries, inconsistent products, or increasing costs because we have been successful in ensuring satisfaction for over 86 years. If you would like to learn more about Wolverine Machine and how we can help with your next project, please visit www.wolverinemachine.com.
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