By applying value stream mapping Huco Dynatork has made radical changes to the way it manufactures its range of Multibeam couplings, increasing capacity, simplifying flow and drastically cutting lead times in the process. It also opens up new opportunities for customers with special design requirements.
The Multibeam is one of Huco Dynatork’s most popular product lines whose potential is now greatly enhanced by better production flow. To boost productivity and shorten lead times Huco Dynatork had already been manufacturing it’s single, three- and six-beam Multibeams from pilot bored stock. And although this initiative had shortened the lead time of the most popular sizes and models, it wasn’t a comprehensive fix. Unusually large orders or those for less popular sizes and specials were still subject to lengthy lead times. For Huco Dynatork this was unacceptable.
Historically Multibeams have been produced in a series of individual process cells at the Huco Dynatork factory in Hertford. Value stream mapping has now led to the company to invest in a single, multi-process cell that manufactures every Multibeam from scratch rather than from pre-bored stock. So whether it be in stainless steel, aluminium, acetal or PEEK, total production lead time for Huco Dynatork Multibeam has been cut by 80%. Typical lead time for batches of 50 to 100 is now less than five days.
“We’re well on the way to providing a next day delivery service for every Multibeam we make,” explained Joint Managing Director, David Lockett. “This investment also allows us to provide a fast turnaround for non-standard sizes and other specials too such as shafts with machined helical beams at either end to accommodate misalignment.”
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