It is always an exciting and challenging time when new products are introduced into a factory and 2019 has already allowed Sanoh to branch out into an exciting new field: aluminium bending.
New materials, new machines and new processes can mean a steep learning curve but by reacting quickly and effectively we have been able to provide a key customer with what they need.
In the autumn of 2018, we were asked by Jaguar Land Rover whether we could supply larger diameter aluminium tubing and parts for PHEV-powered Land Rover vehicles.
Time scales were tight - a 4-5 month lead time - and we needed to invest in some new machinery but the Sanoh team - made up of representatives from Commercial, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Maintenance - put together a realistic plan which was signed off by JLR.
We started our manufacturing on time, purchasing some new kit and making our own guages and pressure test fixtures, and sourced TEAM Precision in South Wales to provide brazing and welding facilities.
Timing was tight but with strong project management and weekly meetings we were able to deliver sample parts to the Jaguar Land Rover line one week before deadline, which were all fitted successfully. A week later we started delivering finished parts to line with no disruption to the build schedule, so much so that we received a kind letter of thanks from JLR for the hard work that the team put in.