MANUFACTURING had both the capability and the capacity required , and they were eager to support an ambitious plan . “ You can ’ t switch suppliers for a critical operation , such as coatings , without the support of your customers . But after we had started to develop good rapport with them , the customers saw the potential benefits of both cost and cycle times reductions and we started a process to complete the qualification process . By December 2017 , we transitioned our highest volume blades into Ellison and the relationship has been a resounding success for all parties .” Parts that previously had to be shipped to Connecticut could now be trucked 400 yards across the industrial park to Ellison . With volumes in the order of 50,000 – 90,000 blades / year now being processed in 2-3 days rather than three weeks . Now , as the end of 2018 approaches , 85 % of Walbar ’ s coating requirements have been successfully transitioned to remain within Mexico .
Since Walbar has reestablished itself as a high-performing company , the business fundamentals are all in favor of the company driven by unprecedented demand for new engines
and airplanes . “ There is a widely held consensus that there will be significant capacity constraints for turbine engine components . Two years ago , we set out to position Walbar to be prepared for this opportunity . Today , with our quality and delivery performance exceeding customer expectations , we are ready to capitalize on these opportunities .”
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