Delivering Under Tight Deadlines for GM Components Holdings
Steelcrest Precision meets demanding requirements with expert precision machining services.
Meeting aggressive lead times and goals requires strong project management, rigorous communication, and an agile approach that can handle changes. Above all, it demands a best-in-class manufacturing partner with the experience and determination to get the job done.
GM Components Holdings (GMCH) needed to hit a key product launch target, and Steelcrest Precision was able to help by manufacturing and delivering custom blades.
The Challenge
GMCH, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), needed blades that encase a critical GM component. These blades expand and retract, causing the component to do the same, and are essential to determining if GMCH’s part works.
In an industry where being first-to-market is critical, GMCH had a tight turnaround time, with the first set of blades due for delivery in just over two weeks. Without a manufacturing partner that could move fast and not sacrifice quality, GMCH would miss its delivery date to GM.
The Solution
Our team immediately worked with GMCH and its supplier to gather the technical details. Within two days of the first call to discuss the project, we had a quote and project order ready.
We then collaborated with GMCH to prioritize the work and develop a flexible solution. With seven sets of blades and most having 14 to 15 part numbers, prioritizing tasks and maximizing efficiency would help keep the project on schedule.
Throughout the process, we met the ambitious deadlines by:
- Running operations around the clock
- Reorganizing work to free up capacity
- Using high-end toolmakers
- Asking team members to work overtime and weekends
- Coordinating work through a dedicated scheduling department
- Meeting daily with GMCH and its supplier
The Results
Even with 12 updates to part prints – including updates to parts that had already been manufactured – the entire order stayed ahead of schedule and on budget. Two sets were shipped to GMCH’s supplier weekly to meet the deadlines.
By asking the right questions to dig into the details, facilitating transparent communication among all project stakeholders, and leveraging our extensive machining capacity, we made sure GMCH received a quality solution on time.
“Highly-collaborative projects like this one are my absolute favorite to work on. When we get to have every department sitting around the table together and working alongside our customer to co-create solution, that’s when we’re at our very best.”
Zach Johnson
Production Manager, Steelcrest Precision