PROTOTYPE TO PRODUCTION

CUSTOMER: Powersports Manufacturer
PROJECT: Rapid Production Tooling

Challenge: 
A typical precision machining project requires two rounds of tooling: pre-production tooling that’s developed quickly to make a prototype, and production tooling, which is a more precise form that usually takes longer to create. This is what our customer had planned — and budgeted — for in a new project they awarded us.

Breakthrough: 
While the lead-time was very short and pre-production tooling would typically be required, WSI was able to complete the parts on time with production-ready tooling. Two factors combined to make this possible: Our familiarity with the customer’s production specifications and our project management structure that facilitates open communication between us and our customer to tier-two suppliers. When the prototype was approved, we were ready to proceed with full production — without the need for an additional round of tooling.

Results: 
Initially, our client couldn’t understand why WSI was not quoting an additional round of tooling.  But he was very happy to learn that his company would save roughly $100,000 in tooling costs and also save 12 weeks in their production schedule.