Automotive
TR Fastenings provides time-critical solution to The London EV Company
The trusted London black cab has been on an exciting journey, transforming into a zero-carbon mobility technology company. TR Fastenings has been helping this icon of London heritage evolve its production for a greener future.
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he demand for electric vehicles has been rapidly growing across the world, putting pressures on the traditional automotive supply chain. This has driven providers to find new ways of working and be more committed than ever to the changing needs of their customers – a trend that was brought into sharp focus when TR Fastenings was approached by the London EV Company (LEVC) with a time- critical problem.
The requirement
LEVC is part of the Geely Holding Group and is on a challenging but ambitious journey with its electric TX taxi. Working in a just- in-time environment, it needed a reliable automotive components provider that was able to supply a consistent and seamless service. When that was suddenly no longer possible, LEVC had to find a new provider that could step in and help keep production moving. The company needed to enhance and secure its supply chain, embrace operational changes and focus on technical and engineering support coupled with a robust logistics service.
This intense transition period gave TR and LEVC an opportunity to review each part in tandem. This included: rationalisation of the number of parts used, the types of fasteners and eliminating bespoke special parts where feasible. TR was selected as the supplier of choice as its years of experience of designing and manufacturing fasteners for automotive applications was a key deciding factor. Additionally, TR also supplies other companies within the Geely Holding Group, including Proton in Malaysia, Lotus cars in the UK and the major Tier 1’s supplying into Volvo.
The solution
As a global fastener specialist, TR’s design and engineering teams were involved from the outset. An internal review was
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conducted to understand LEVC’s exact needs and project teams from both TR and LEVC were immediately assigned to work together. It was critical that there was a constant on-site presence at LEVC during this time working across the different disciplines. This was important in instilling confidence and working to a very tight timeline. TR was quickly able to establish a stable full-service provision for LEVC, especially important for a new product launch. TR now provides some 350 components used in the vehicles, and to the Tier 1’s that supply the drive train, brakes, lighting clusters, car seats, IP console and battery pack. Dan Pereira, engineering manager UK & Ireland at TR Fastenings, said: “This was a challenging project where time was a critical factor. We needed to act fast to understand the customer’s exact needs and put in place a system that worked. Thankfully, we understand the pressures automotive
manufacturers are under and this project was a great example of how TR Fastenings can step up to any situation, working with the client to be that safe pair of hands they need. It showcases our commitment to fulfilling the needs of our customers, no matter the size or complexity of operation.”
Project challenges
LEVC needed support quickly to meet demand, and TR was able to step in, providing additional on-site customer support. It set about reviewing stock quantities to understand any gaps in the system, it established working relationships, collaborated with the engineers on the ground to understand their needs and ensure a seamless transition. TR, as the supplier, shared data sheets with engineers and purchasing, agreeing specifications and this sped up the process of producing product and gaining
PPAP approvals. Additionally, TR was asked to manage other bespoke parts on LEVC’s behalf and these too were added to the bill of materials. Supply of critical stock resumed, and production suffered no disruption.
Project conclusion
TR’s complete, full-service approach prevented manufacturing disruption and enabled a lasting relationship with a new customer. This could not have been done without the close collaboration with LEVC and its key managed suppliers.
TR has more than 55,000 products across its portfolio. It supplies components to more than 5,000 companies globally across a wide range of industries from its global facilities in 18 countries, encompassing seven manufacturing sites.
https://www.trfastenings.com/ Components in Electronics February 2024 17
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