“Lean” operations are a common objective of many of today's manufacturers.  The benefits of “Lean” may include reduction in process time, reduction of inventory, reduction in direct labor, and reduction in manufacturing space required.

     The overall objective is to be more competitive in time to market and cost, enabling manufacturers to gain market share and improve profitability.

     One such customer of Rockford-Ettco is a major player in the small off road vehicle market. This manufacturer utilized Rockford-Ettco equipment in a manufacturing cell producing vehicle frames. Tubular components of the vehicle frame are kitted and placed into a sliding drawer fixture. In one short cycle all frame components are drilled by four seventy spindle universal drill and tap heads installed on four synchronized, side by side high capacity drills.

     At the completion of the drill process, the operator places the drilled parts into an adjacent fixture for the next operation, automated welding of the frame components, and reloads the fixture for the next drill cycle. 

     This manufacturer has significantly reduced cycle time, work in process inventory, overall floor space required, and direct labor. 

     Rockford-Ettco's products have been the standard in this customer's plant for many years, delivering unparalleld drilling and tapping and reliable service.

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