When Christmas Looms…Maximum Precision Saves the Day
Christmas break is something everyone in all industries looks forward too, a few days off relaxing with friends and family after another chaotic year. Those in manufacturing will be aware of the madness that ensues a few days, even weeks before the break is due. Last minute orders, suppliers closing earlier than everyone else and preparing for year-end. As well as closing down the previous year you’re planning for the New Year, which is ever fast approaching, it can be a hectic time for everyone!
The Problem
A long-standing and loyal customer was rushed off their feet prior to closing for Christmas, staying late to fulfil commitments and attempting to complete tasks alike. A new order from one of their own biggest clients landed a few days before the planned shutdown. This order requested hundreds of large, finished parts to be delivered shortly after the New Year. Quite the request, knowing suppliers would be backlogged and behind with orders upon their return in the New Year. Knowing what this order was worth to them they were flustered at the thought of being unable to fulfil this order.
Not only were time constraints a major issue with this job, but the part itself was also very large and takes a considerable amount of time to manufacture. The part itself was of high-value and most importantly, a customer-facing part, with all surfaces needing a flawless finish. Knowing fulfilling this order would lead to a lot of repeat business, they had to find a solution in order to secure this potential partnership.
The Solution
They approached Maximum Precision Limited, outlining the importance of quality and continuity throughout the batches and the lead times they were working to. Being aware that time was of the essence, a meeting was quickly arranged throughout the company to comb through the workshop schedule meticulously, checking through existing commitments on every job and reallocating work to different machines, whilst ensuring no other jobs were put at risk. It was imperative senior operators were available to run this job and could put the time needed into the parts. When it came to the finishing operation, an afternoon was spent negotiating terms with the preferred anodising supplier. After the work was successfully fitted into the post-New Year schedule, weekly drops were agreed with less than a week’s lead time.
The Outcome
These parts began machining the day the Christmas break ended. Like clockwork, the parts were shipped every week for finishing and returning a few days later, complete and in pristine condition. The production floor was running so efficiently, the customer received their delivery with a few days to spare. Over the coming weeks, the customer received another 4 deliveries, all of which were on time with no delays and of perfect quality.
The customer was so pleased with the parts produced and within the tricky time frame, their order coverage increased tenfold and Maximum Precision is now the sole supplier of these parts.
