Wadkin opts for Festo as sole pneumatics supplier

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Global woodworking machine tool manufacturer, Wadkin, has selected Festo as the sole supplier of its pneumatic equipment following a competitive tender

The decision was made as a result of the automation specialist's superior technical understanding, detailed implementation methods and plans, and highly cost-sensitive approach. The two companies have signed a five year agreement for Festo to supply 3000 to 4000 components per year. Rather than supplying individual components, by recommending 'kits of parts' on a just-in-time basis, Festo is able to reduce administration and inventory holding, while improving manufacturing efficiency and delivering substantial cost savings.

This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 14 June 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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The new agreement reduces Wadkin's pneumatic suppliers from fourteen down to just one.

The driving force behind the Leicester-based company's initiative was to reduce material costs by 40% while maintaining an increasingly high-tech and efficient approach to production.

The stringent selection process compared all of the major pneumatic suppliers in all areas of business performance.
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It required each supplier to quote on a kit of parts comprising components equivalent to those used on a moulding machine.

The seven most cost-effective suppliers were then requested to present company credentials, from which five were asked to recommend the most economical and technically suitable pneumatic solutions for two machines: a moulder and a router.

Three companies made a short-list before the final selection of Festo.

Dave Bowyer, Business Development Consultant at Festo, worked closely with Wadkin's engineers.

'We looked in detail at the special applications required for Wadkin's machines, and, for the highest cost areas designed and developed a completely new product using less components and highly competitive methods of manufacture.

These involve cold press aluminium tooling for making component bodies and plastic moulding for piston and piston rod assemblies.

By investing in tooling capabilities, we are able to offer Wadkin a highly competitive price and deliver the returns the business requires.' He adds: 'We are now carrying out on-site developments to ensure that a completely smooth transition to the new working methods takes place.

Working with Wadkin is like completing the circle for Festo, as the company's origins lie in the woodworking industry more than 70 years ago.'