Aerostar Manufacturing Triumphs Over Global Tariff Challenges with Strategic Supply Chain Management


At Aerostar Manufacturing, we're no strangers to the challenges in a rapidly evolving global market. Recently, when a General Motors tier 1 supplier approached us due to high tariffs from China, we were ready to step in and deliver a solution that met their manufacturing requirements and upheld the rigorous quality standards of the automotive industry.

The task was sourcing an alternative supplier for automotive fuel pump housings, a component that demands high precision and attention to detail. Leveraging our international supply chain network, we implemented a full-fledged supply chain solution managed right here in the U.S. This approach provided a layer of convenience and reliability, ensuring that our customer could focus on their core operations without worrying about the supply chain intricacies.

Our strategy revolved around collaborating with an IATF certified partner in India. This connection, renowned for its manufacturing standards, enabled us to establish a cost-competitive supply base outside China, circumventing high tariffs and maintaining project cost-effectiveness.

Success in such endeavors hinges on adherence to quality standards. Hence, we utilized the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process, a trusted automotive industry methodology ensuring quality control from design to final product. Our team worked closely with our overseas partner, ensuring every component met the stringent customer production requirements.

Our effective supply chain management and highest quality control helped Aerostar prevent any price increases for GM. This exemplifies our commitment to providing innovative, effective, and cost-efficient solutions for our customers, regardless of challenge complexity. We see challenges as opportunities to innovate, and this venture is proof of our readiness to deliver effective solutions amidst global market shifts. At Aerostar, our commitment to exceptional service and strong partnerships remains a cornerstone for mutual growth and success.


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Aerostar's Rapid Response Saves Valuable Time for OEM Client

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In the world of OEM power management, time is often the most precious commodity. In a recent instance, we at Aerostar Manufacturing had the opportunity to showcase our agility and quality in meeting a demanding timeline for a key client. Tasked with the production of a coupling body under a tight timeline of merely six weeks from purchase order to production, we rose to the challenge.

Our task was to machine the part, an endeavor that called for a blend of precise engineering and efficient workflow management. Given the demanding timeline, we wasted no time in setting up a dedicated machining cell for the product. Working in tandem with our partners, we also coordinated the casting process, a crucial part of the production chain.

Our streamlined operations and carefully orchestrated logistics enabled us to cast, machine, and ship the parts promptly. The annual requirement was 60,000 units, a production volume well within our capabilities. However, the real value of our intervention lay not just in meeting the production demands, but in the time we afforded the customer.

Our swift project initialization and execution alleviated pressures on the customer to overstretch their capacity. Instead, they could direct their resources towards validation trials on additional tooling. This time saved was invaluable, enabling the client to focus on further process optimization and quality control.

By quickly setting the project in motion and delivering results within the tight timeline, we showcased Aerostar's ability to provide efficient, high-quality solutions under pressure. Our expertise doesn't just ensure timely delivery; it also grants our clients the space to innovate and improve. This undertaking underpins our commitment to agility, quality, and client success, even within the most demanding timelines.


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Workrite Aerostar's Solution for Complex Redraw Sleeve Production

 

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When a reputable canning and closure company required a redraw sleeve - a part demanding extremely precise machining and an aesthetic polished surface - they sought out Workrite Aerostar's expertise. The intricate nature of this task, involving a carbide die pressed into a hardened steel body, required a high level of precision and attention to detail.

As experts in precision machining, we eagerly took on this challenge. The first hurdle was sourcing the appropriate material. Leveraging our supply chain network and procurement expertise, we secured the necessary materials within the client's budget. This early win underscored our commitment to balancing cost efficiency and quality.

With materials at hand, our team dove into the intricate process of assembly and precision machining. Our skilled technicians and engineers, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, navigated the complex task with accuracy and efficiency. This stage of the project was marked by a meticulous fusion of expertise, precision, and technological prowess.

Pressing the carbide die into the hardened steel body was the next step, demanding not only accuracy but a deep understanding of material properties. Our team's successful execution of this delicate procedure further underscored our proficiency and attention to detail.

Upon completion, the parts were promptly delivered to the customer. Their response was a testament to our work - they lauded the speed, quality, and efficiency of our services. The satisfaction of our customer, mirrored in their ecstatic response, validated our position as leaders in precision machining.

This project highlights Workrite Aerostar's commitment to delivering top-quality, efficient, and cost-effective solutions, reinforcing our unwavering dedication to precision, quality, and customer satisfaction.


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Precision in Action for Complex Domer Plug Production

 

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A renowned canning and closure firm needed intricate domer plug parts. These called for the precise incorporation of a carbide and bronze insert into a steel body, along with high surface polish. They chose Workrite Aerostar, known for our precision machining proficiency.

We sourced carbide, bronze, and steel via our reliable supply chain swiftly and accurately, forming the building blocks of the domer plug parts. Then, our skilled team tackled the complex assembly process. The resulting parts matched the customer's exact specifications.

The core challenge was machining the carbide and bronze insert into the steel body. Thanks to our cutting-edge machinery and technical know-how, we accomplished this task flawlessly. The parts were polished to a high degree, offering a superior aesthetic finish.

Our end-to-end in-house production process guaranteed strict quality control. The finished parts met the customer's high expectations, validating their decision to trust Workrite Aerostar. Our timely delivery and high-quality work reiterated our dedication to customer satisfaction and our reputation for excellence.


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Mastering Global Sourcing to Deliver Cost-Effective Solutions

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When a prominent Tier One engine manufacturer required a large production run of cast aluminum heavy support brackets, Aerostar Manufacturing was the chosen partner due to our reputation for delivering high-quality parts, with a focus on cost effectiveness and urgency.

The production of these support brackets, a vital engine component, could potentially lead to high costs. However, Aerostar's extensive experience in global supply chain management and strategic overseas sourcing capabilities came into play, ensuring this was not the case.

Understanding the customer's need for cost control, Aerostar leveraged our international network to source the parts from a lower-cost country. This key strategic decision enabled us to achieve significant cost savings, demonstrating our commitment to delivering value for our customers. Our overseas presence played a crucial role in not only sourcing these parts at an unbeatable cost but also ensuring their quality and meeting exact specifications.

Once the parts were sourced and quality-checked, they were transported to our U.S. facilities. Thanks to our streamlined processes and efficient logistics, we managed to maintain a Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery system. This approach, aimed at reducing in-process inventory and associated carrying costs, proved ideal for our customer, enhancing their operational efficiency and cost management.

Our successful delivery, backed by our savvy material sourcing and JIT system, reaffirmed our reputation as a reliable, cost-effective solution provider. The customer expressed immense satisfaction with our service, particularly highlighting our ability to source high-quality parts at a low cost, and how quickly we could deliver. At Aerostar, we pride ourselves on being able to offer these advantages to our customers, reinforcing our commitment to quality, efficiency, and value.


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Overcoming Complex Challenges to Deliver High-Quality Fuel Manifolds

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When a Tier One heavy truck engine manufacturer approached Aerostar with a demanding task – a large-scale production run of fuel manifolds – we faced a two-fold challenge. Not only did the production involve a part with complex geometries and deep fluid passageways, but the uncompromising quality requirements called for the manifolds to be entirely free from finishing burrs and leaks. The critical cleanliness factor added another layer of complexity, necessitating a highly specialized approach.

Traditional deburring methods were rendered impractical due to the part's intricate design. This prompted Aerostar to employ innovative techniques and exhibit our ability to provide custom solutions tailored to our clients' needs. After the initial machining of the metal, we turned to a thermal deburring process. This sophisticated technique allowed us to effectively remove any impurities or burrs from the manifolds, even within the deepest recesses and cavities.

To further ensure the absolute cleanliness of the parts, each piece was subjected to a rigorous millipore test. This highly sensitive test effectively measures and analyzes any particulate contamination, offering a precise cleanliness verification process. Additionally, to validate the absence of leaks, an air-testing procedure was conducted. This meticulous, two-tier testing approach allowed us to confidently guarantee the impeccable quality of the manifolds.

Delivering to the client's expectations, Aerostar successfully managed the on-time shipment of parts, adhering to the stipulated schedule. The customer's response was overwhelmingly positive, particularly appreciating our innovative approach, efficient process, and uncompromising adherence to quality standards. This project underscores Aerostar Manufacturing's commitment to overcoming complex challenges and delivering high-quality, efficient solutions, tailored to meet and exceed our customers' exacting requirements.


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Aerostar's Smart Machining Cell Minimizes Downtime and Maximizes Productivity

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Our solution was the establishment of a dedicated machining cell within our facility, designed with the explicit purpose of managing large, diverse runs of similar parts. This innovative setup allowed us to switch rapidly between different part models without significant pauses in the production process. This minimized downtime is a critical component in large-scale manufacturing, directly translating into higher productivity and cost-effectiveness.

By incorporating quick-change fixtures and tooling in the machining cell, we were able to maintain a high level of adaptability. This facilitated the easy transition between different parts, enhancing the production line's flexibility while maintaining the required precision and quality standards. As a result, the machining cell could churn out a broad range of parts on a single line, marking a breakthrough in efficiency and waste reduction.

The success of this strategy was evident in the results. We successfully produced the diverse parts needed by the fluid systems manufacturer in a timely manner, with significantly lower costs and waste. The reduction in downtime enabled the rapid production of large runs of similar parts, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.

This approach has not only proven beneficial for this particular project but has also set a benchmark for many of our other clients. Through the smart implementation of a dedicated machining cell, Aerostar continues to provide innovative, efficient, and cost-effective solutions, showcasing our commitment to superior service and excellence in manufacturing.


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Aerostar’s Manufacturing Platform Streamlines Diverse Parts Run for a Tier One Drive Systems Manufacturer


A Tier One drive systems manufacturer found themselves confronted with a multi-layered challenge. They required a family of similar parts to be produced, each presenting distinct machining parameters necessitating specialized fixturing and tooling. The varying specifications of each part called for a manufacturer capable of tailoring its production process for the diverse requirements while adhering to the stringent timelines and cost-effectiveness that the industry demanded. It was here that Aerostar stepped up to the challenge.

The complexity of the task required an innovative, efficient, and flexible solution. At Aerostar, we designed a versatile manufacturing platform to address this exact need. The platform was designed to accommodate a variety of fixtures and tooling, allowing us to seamlessly transition between different parts while maintaining high efficiency and precision. This agile approach made it possible to adjust to the varying machining parameters required for each part in the family.

Once the design phase was completed, we swiftly moved onto production. Each fixture and tool was crafted with meticulous attention to detail to ensure that it would perform to the highest standards. Once set up, the manufacturing platform enabled us to produce the parts at the volume required, all the while adhering to the specific parameters of each individual piece.

The result? Aerostar was able to manufacture the diverse range of parts to the customer's exact specifications. The customer was highly impressed with our volume of output, appreciating our efficient and flexible approach that allowed us to deliver high-quality results in a cost-effective and timely manner.

This successful endeavor demonstrates Aerostar's commitment to overcoming complex challenges with innovative solutions. By providing flexible, efficient, and precision-driven manufacturing solutions, we continue to meet and exceed our clients' expectations, reinforcing our status as a trusted partner in the industry.


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Aerostar Doubles Output to Meet Tier 1 Heavy Engine Manufacturer’s Surge in Demand

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In the competitive landscape of heavy engine manufacturing, our client, a Tier One heavy engine manufacturer, was preparing for an expected surge in demand for an integral component - an automotive cam follower. This component required exceptional precision and cleanliness, given its critical role within an engine. Faced with this complex task, the manufacturer turned to Aerostar, confident in our ability to meet their standards and scale up production.

The project's key challenge was the anticipated increase in demand, necessitating an efficient plan to double our machining output without compromising on quality. With a strong emphasis on cleanliness, the task required us to maintain stringent standards throughout the production process.

Our approach to meeting this challenge was twofold. First, we increased our production capacity by incorporating additional machining fixtures and machine tools. This strategic expansion allowed us to double our output without impacting the lead time or the quality of the parts produced.

Second, we adhered to a strict post-production procedure to ensure each part's cleanliness. Every cam follower was precision-machined and honed, then forwarded to our lab for millipore testing. This process guaranteed the removal of all possible contaminants, ensuring the parts met the exacting cleanliness requirements of the customer.

The outcome of this project was overwhelmingly positive. Not only did we fulfill the increased production demand on schedule, but we also upheld the high-quality standards expected by the client. The client was especially impressed with our ability to scale production while maintaining exceptional cleanliness and quality of the finished product.

This successful venture illustrates Aerostar's agility in scaling up production, our adherence to stringent quality standards, and our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. We look forward to tackling similar challenges and exceeding customer expectations in the future.


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Aerostar's Swift Solution for a Watercraft Manufacturer's Water Pump

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The first hurdle was to source the required materials. Aerostar, drawing on our extensive supply chain network, swiftly procured the necessary aluminum at a cost that satisfied the customer. Next, we had to manufacture the requisite tooling, a process requiring precise coordination and expertise.

Once we had the materials and tooling in place, we accelerated the production process. The complex nature of the water pump required casting and precise machining. Afterward, each unit underwent assembly and was meticulously tested for leaks, ensuring each finished piece met the customer's stringent quality expectations.

This process, from sourcing to final assembly, was performed under a demanding deadline without compromising quality or cost-effectiveness. The proficiency and commitment of our team were instrumental in driving this project forward at the required pace.

Upon delivery, the client expressed immense satisfaction with our service. They were particularly impressed by our ability to source affordable materials without sacrificing quality, and our capacity to work effectively within the stringent timeline. The finished water pump not only met but exceeded their expectations.

This project stands as a testament to Aerostar's commitment to excellence, irrespective of challenging timelines or complex manufacturing requirements. Our ability to provide quick, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions continues to differentiate us as a preferred partner in the manufacturing industry.