With an automated cell designed and installed by Meritage Manufacturing Solutions, Daco Inc. manufactures parts more efficiently to stay ahead of the competition.
Tough competition, including that offshore, forces Daco Inc. of North Aurora, Ill., to continually look for better ways to machine its parts. So it was no surprise when the contract machine shop decided to incorporate automated manufacturing to secure new business from its largest OEM customer.
Daco teamed with Meritage Manufacturing Solutions (MMS) to conceptualize an entire automated machining center and develop a customer presentation. "We literally presented the customer with an automated way to get its part produced, which won us the business," says Bruce Lindgren, vice president of Daco. "MMS helped us put together the presentation, which impressed the customer with its level of detail."
The system that MMS designed and installed for Daco has exceeded expectations. "We are continuously reducing costs, delivering parts on time, and improving quality," says Lindgren. And this has led to another long-term contract with even more parts to manufacture, he adds.
Automation has expanded Daco's capabilities, increased its productivity, and reduced the shop's defect rate through process control. Cell operators are now problem solvers instead of just machinists, says Lindgren.
"In addition, MMS works with us to engineer custom solutions for producing certain parts," comments Lindgren. "We get the full backing of its engineering staff, and it's a relationship that hasn't let us down."
Meritage Manufacturing Solutions
Warrenville, Ill.
www.meritagemms.com
