LINK INDUSTRIES: Technology Assessment Identifies Operational Opportunities
This investment has helped our employees understand a new level of machining capability.
-- Jeff Veryser, General Manager
Link Industries (www.linkcuttingtools.com) is part of a privately-owned group of companies and makes a variety of drills used across various manufacturing sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and other specialty industries. Located in Indian River, Mich., the plant employs 15 full-time people.
Challenge
General Manager Jeff Veryser wanted to improve throughput and reduce the outsourcing of several manufacturing processes. Veryser was looking at technology options to address capacity, quality, and revenue improvements. Link operated a 22-year-old machine that desperately needed to be replaced to remain competitive in the market. An Industry 4.0 grant was the final push needed to get approval for the new capital investment.
Solution
Veryser contacted Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) and worked with the assessment team to conduct an Industry 4.0 Technology Opportunity Assessment. MMTC was able to identify the following: process performance improvements were possible using technology to perform several processes simultaneously and reduce outsourcing of some processing by adding a Swiss turning machine; opportunities to add data acquisition capability to existing legacy machines; and the possibility to adopt barcode or QR code scanning technology. Subsequently, Link Industries applied for a Michigan Economic Development Corporation Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant and, with assistance from the Manufacturing Growth Alliance, received $25,000 in matching funds. Link Industries added a company investment of $362,000 to purchase a Tsugami SS32MH-5AX Swiss-Turn Lathe.
Results
- Invested more than $387,000 in new equipment and technology
- $50,000 in new business in 2023
- Saved $25,000 in equipment costs using the MMTC Technology Assessment and the MEDC’s Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant
- On track for $160,000 in new business in 2024
- Technology upgrades have strengthened the job security of all employees
- Added real time monitoring software to the machine that tracks uptime, setup, and downtime