“However as quality has
improved offshore, the U.S. foundry industry needs to take good look at its price and quality competiveness on the world market and its effect on the future of the U.S. casting industry,” he said.
Kimray Inc. Establishing a supplier-customer
relationship has proven to be mutu- ally beneficial for Kimray Inc. and its customers. Te manufacturer of control valves for the oil and gas industry pur- chases housings and other cast compo- nents in ductile, steel and aluminum. “A major part of the selection
process for a new casting source is to send a team from our company, comprised of engineering, quality and purchasing, to visit the supplier,” said Daniel Crane, Kimray’s vice president of supply chain. “Te type of techni- cal expertise the company has to offer, lead times, financial strength and mitigation plans are considered prior to awarding business.” Kimray, which seeks two-week lead
times from its suppliers, encourages them to find ways to reduce the piece price of individual castings through design or pattern changes. It relies heavily on the input from supplier engineers in the early design process for new castings as well as potential changes to existing ones. Tis collabo- ration extends to business planning so casting suppliers can be prepared for surges or drops in demand. “We supply forecast information
on a portal site that all our suppliers have access to,” Crane said. “We also have entered into stocking agree- ments that are designed to be a win- win for both companies.”
Haldex Corp.
When commercial vehicle brake and suspension provider Haldex Brake Products Corp., Kansas City, Mo., vets its potential ductile iron casting suppliers, it looks at several criteria, including: • Financial situation • A currency management agreement • Competitive to market • Global export capability • Cost improvement, value added/
March 2013 MODERN CASTING | 43
Nexteer Automotive purchases aluminum, magnesium and zinc castings for its steering and driveline systems.
value engineering ideas
• Logistics agreement, forecast ability • Packaging and shipping flexibility • Engineering capability, fill and solidification expertise
• Tooling maintenance and design capability
• Analytical problem solving • Type of equipment
• Size of mold and number of cavities • Length of the cooling line • Sand process capabilities • Machining and painting capability • Production tonnage capacity and available guaranteed capacity. “Suppliers have to meet our entry qualifier and performance qualifiers, and then are selected [on specific
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