There are many important factors in choosing a new partner for metal fabrication projects and knowing what to look for essential for the success of a project.
With so many options available in the market, it is important to evaluate critical factors before making your decision and understanding that price and time may not be the most important driver for long-term quality and success. In this article, we are going to discuss important factors in the supplier selection process:
Engineering Team
A metal fabrication partner should assist with engineering solutions and provide feasibility reviews and recommendations prior to production to reduce overall expense and enhance quality risk management. In collaboration, designs and projects should be developed and manufactured with minimal waste, the most suitable material for cost and function and ensure tolerances are achievable prior to production.
The Jenks & Cattell Engineering Team
Jenks & Cattell Engineering have a Launch Management team who work closely with partners from initial quotation through to delivery. The team are proactive in generating ideas for VAVE and lean manufacturing methods. More information: Project Development – Jenks & Cattell Engineering
The team lead the way in communicating with our partners, and seek to be reliable, responsive and proactive at all times, with a genuine passion to collaborate between the wider and cross-functional teams both internally and externally throughout the manufacturing process.
Production Capacity and Capability
When choosing a new partner, you should review what machinery and equipment is on site, and how well it is laid out and utilised. Does the supplier have all required equipment on site, or do they subcontract? Having a well-equipped factory reduces manufacturing miles, subcontracting expenses, improves sustainability and secures quality control.
Jenks & Cattell Engineering’s Capacity and Capability
At Jenks & Cattell Engineering Ltd, there is a comprehensive range of machinery under one roof from laser cutting, pressing, welding, CNC machining and press tool maintenance. We have extra ancillary machinery to complete barrelling operations, nut insertion and functional and mechanical assembly. The machinery and factory follow an efficient manufacturing process layout which you can see on our 3D Factory Tour: https://jcel.co.uk/3d-tour/
We have many local partners to assist with surface finishing, painting and tool making.
A full equipment list: https://jcel.co.uk/equipment/
Quality Management
Your partner should implement quality control into every aspect of manufacture from prototype to production. Metal fabrications are reviewed to ensure tolerances can be achieved at drawing specification at quotation stage. It is important to check out their quality assurance accreditation’s and procedures. A reputable supplier will have an ISO 9001 quality accreditation as a minimum, and a quality team with inspection and measuring equipment to guarantee quality precision.
We choose and audit partners and suppliers of similar calibre to ourselves to ensure quality and sustainability.
Quality Management at Jenks & Cattell Engineering
Jenks & Cattell Engineering have a dedicated quality team and take pride in making sure quality is a priority. Right first time, every time. We are accredited to ISO 9001 and operate to IATF 16949 standards. We have an onsite macro weld test facility, CMM measuring, 15-minute production checks, first-off and last-off pass off, pressure testing and a dedicated PDI area.
All our partners receive ISIR and PPAP to level 3 as standard. The Quality Team lead the way to encourage the whole team to target zero defects and variance, and all fabricated components are assembled with jigs and fixtures to ensure consistency and repeatability.
Continuous Improvement
The ideal partner should be focussed on continuous improvement and investing in engineering and manufacturing technologies. To continuously improve, there should be clear signs of growth and financial stability. Analyse quality and accounts data to see evidence of improvement.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation at Jenks & Cattell Engineering
Production and processes are optimised at Jenks & Cattell Engineering. The whole team are encouraged to submit continuous improvement ideas through initiatives including Kaizen, Eagle Eye and Risk Hunter. The commitment to stay ahead of competitors and meet partner needs is priority. This can be measured by our investment in new technology including laser cutting and CNC machining, as well as improving efficiency on existing equipment. We have recently invested in our largest progression press of 750 tonnes. Our team has enhanced as we add further focus on training and upskilling, and our team includes Black Belts in Lean 6-Sigma. In addition to CI, risks are minimal as we are financially independent and owned by Newship Group who continuously invest.
Lead Time and Delivery Performance
How much raw material is in stock and stakeholder relationships which would affect the overall lead time. Your partner should provide project timelines from tooling order, prototype, PPAP sign off and production. Into production, you should be aware of the standard lead time and agree schedules in advance to reduce delays. Frequent communication is paramount to ensure coordination and meeting production deadlines.
Lead Time and Delivery Performance at Jenks & Cattell Engineering Ltd
The Jenks & Cattell Engineering team work with our partners and their scheduled requirements to ensure we deliver within the specified timeframe. Frequent communication from your Planning and Logistics Account Manager enhances the progress of on-time delivery and our target of 100% delivery performance. This is monitored via KPIs. Our team is committed to promptly raising any concerns or issues which may delay the fulfilment of partner requirements and offer proactive solutions.
Experience
Experience is considered to be more than how long a business has been operating, multiple factors should be considered, including: The variety of industries served, the knowledge and skill of the team, continuous improvement, security and development of the business and capability. A variety of machinery and process management systems, and also the available information of different metals and subcontract operations should be considered.
When choosing a partner, you should consider the complexity of projects they have handled. The knowledge of materials, techniques, equipment usage, training and importance of regulations and health and safety in the workplace is essential.
Jenks & Cattell Engineering’s Experience
Jenks & Cattell Engineering have been established since 1886, and with over a decade of experience in high-quality metal pressings. As a business, we are financially secure with high growth plans. The team is made up of highly experienced time served engineers down to apprentices who are learning from the best. This level of expertise gives anyone working with us a true insight into best practices of metal fabrication.
The team provide engineering solutions and know what can and can’t be manufactured to tolerance and specification before production. Jenks & Cattell Engineering supply the automotive, off-highway, defence, construction, alternate transport, energy and medical industries which provides a more complex range of manufacturing expertise.
Multiple press tool resources have been completed on site. Press tools are taken from an incumbent supplier and used on our machinery. This can be a daunting and complex process, which is supporting by our experienced team for a smooth transition.
Why Jenks & Cattell Engineering are the Partner for You
Jenks & Cattell Engineering is considered as an engineering partner due to the provision of all project management. Prototype to production manufacturing assistance is offered. Overall specifications, timelines, costs and requirements is considered and not simply the supply of a component.
Lisa Poxon, Sales Manager said: “At Jenks & Cattell Engineering Ltd, we see ourselves as a partner rather than a supplier. We offer a full range of services which follow a journey of excellent communication, engineering solutions, advice and process control. We are more than just a supplier who manufactures parts, we consider the whole process including feasibility, quality and delivery performance.”
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