We are a small family owned job shop with less than 10 employees, several of which are part time. The majority of the work force will be retiring over the next 5 years. As the crew gets smaller I want to take that opportunity to add machine capabilities to make up for fewer bodies as opposed to hiring more on. We have more spindles than we can utilize at the moment. Only one vmc that stays busy and is by far the most profitable machine in the shop. The rest are all 3 axis machines without tool changers. With the fewer workers coming up I plan on replaicing some of the bed mills with more VMCs or, if the work is there, an HMC.
I know it might seem like the wrong approach given the 5 year forecast but I am trying to win some semi production jobs. Our large orders at the moment are generally in the 200-1000 piece quantities. We have a great customer base and have been blessed with opportunities to prove our quality.
What I am looking for is some advice on how to make the transition into production machining. I know it will take a different approach, starting with the quote.
Has anyone been in a similar position? Care to share how you won some production work?
I know it might seem like the wrong approach given the 5 year forecast but I am trying to win some semi production jobs. Our large orders at the moment are generally in the 200-1000 piece quantities. We have a great customer base and have been blessed with opportunities to prove our quality.
What I am looking for is some advice on how to make the transition into production machining. I know it will take a different approach, starting with the quote.
Has anyone been in a similar position? Care to share how you won some production work?