GENERAL NEWS
Supply chain collaboration for metalworking
Only a quarter ( 24 %) of metalworkers say that there is enough supply chain collaboration in the industry , according to new research from SAIT Abrasives . The UK specialist manufacturer of bonded and coated abrasives for industrial use wanted to understand the extent to which the metalworking sector is collaborating to source solutions throughout the supply chain , as it embarks on its own collaborative initiatives to support its end-users and distributors . It surveyed 102 decision-makers in the UK metalworking industry ( including operations engineering teams , purchasing teams and production managers ) in summer 2023 to uncover their thoughts around training , supply chain collaboration and productivity within the sector .
“ Despite this lack of collaboration , just over half ( 54 %) of those surveyed say they value when a supplier can create a tailored solution to their business need and a further half ( 56 %) say that it is important that their suppliers are innovative . However , only half ( 51 %) say that their suppliers are collaborating with them to offer tailored solutions ,” it highlighted . “ Respondents state that they value supplychain collaboration because it helps increase efficiencies within their business ( 52 %), adapt to business needs ( 47 %) and innovate ( 46 %).”
Chris Ingman , Managing Director , SAIT Abrasives , said : “ Our research shows that while half the industry does value supply chain collaboration , over three quarters feel that
the industry isn ’ t maximising the potential of taking a more cohesive approach to working together . Collaboration is vital to innovation , while our industry is ultimately very traditional and relies on traditional processes , there is still a need for innovation . This could be changes that speed up processes , right through to large-scale digital innovations . No matter the scale , a joined-up approach is essential to understanding the challenge and developing the solution .
“ While just under half ( 44 %) say that it is important to them that their suppliers are present in their buying journey , less than a quarter ( 21 %) say that they buy directly through people , instead opting to buy from suppliers ’ websites . On top of this , only a third ( 30 %) say that they make choices over which supplier to use quicker when they can speak to the potential supplier directly ,” he continued .
RB Tools & Fixings , a specialist in single-source and supply has been working with SAIT to provide surface finishing solutions to the metalworking industry . Matt Walsh , Operations Director , RB Tools & Fixings , said : “ In general , the desire to collaborate is growing but the research suggests we need greater industry awareness of the long-term health and safety , and cost benefits that can be gained from working with the supply chain . Collaboration also enhances the relationship and trust throughout the supply chain , from manufacturer to end user , and builds a line of communication that allows manufacturers to bring new innovations to market from customer feedback .”
“ Collaboration isn ’ t just crucial to how we solve issues today , it ’ s vital to how we solve future challenges too . At the moment , all industries are facing big questions such as how to work more safely and sustainably . The answers lie in greater collaboration .
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Only then will we see useful innovations that lead to more streamlined processes ,” concluded SURVEY Chris Ingman . n
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. sait-abrasives . co . uk
FANUC and Volvo Cars sign global contract
FANUC and Volvo Cars have signed a global contract that sets out a programme of robot supply to the automotive manufacturer ’ s plants across the globe . The contract will see FANUC provide industrial robots for all the various production shops included in a modern car manufacturing facility , including new battery production facilities in Europe , Asia and America .
In the first phase , FANUC will supply more than 700 robots to a planned new manufacturing site in Kosice , Slovakia , where Volvo Cars expects the first vehicles to roll off the production line in 2026 . This facility will be Volvo Cars ‘ first site exclusively manufacturing electric vehicles . During the same phase , FANUC will also supply sites in Ghent , Belgium , and Daqing , China .
“ Volvo Cars was looking for a long-term partner in factory automation , and we are proud that we will now shape the future of the automotive industry together ,” said Marco Ghirardello , President and CEO , FANUC Europe .
To ensure the optimal integration of
Marco Ghirardello , President and CEO , FANUC Europe . robots into the production lines , FANUC ’ s team of expert engineers has been busy developing specific hardware and software solutions for a wide range of applications that cover the entire chain of manufacture .
“ Volvo Cars plans to produce only electric vehicles from 2030 and achieve CO₂ neutrality by 2040 . The new factory in Slovakia will be a carbonneutral manufacturing facility , with FANUC contributing to the site ’ s sustainability ,” added FANUC . n
ISMR November 2023 | ismr . net | 7