Component Consultancy
We partner with our clients from the very early stages of product development to advise on best production methods to ensure that the production cost of the components produced is as low as possible. The tolerances and fit-for-purpose requirements can make a significant difference in deciding which manufacturing method will be best placed to produce an item. In some cases, it is more cost-effective to produce multiple parts from a single tool and if the components are designed this way from the outset, then the cost savings can be realised. Similar savings can be achieved through reviewing material finishes and the fitment requirement for mating parts to ensure design failure is kept to a minimum. With non-ferrous materials such as aluminium, copper and stainless steel, the scrap cost can be a significant factor in the overall component cost, so it is essential to take this into account in the early stages.
Multi-discipline Facility
Swift Metal offers a single source of supply with a wide range of component manufacturing services. Whether you require laser cutting, metal pressing, welding, bending, drilling, forming, machining, tooling, rolling or assembly, Swift can provide a complete solution. From raw material through to zinc plating, galvanising, and powder coating, you can rely on Swift to take care of the detail. Our clients benefit through being able to rationalise their supply chain to a single proven supplier that has the facility and the expertise to provide a complete solution minimising wasted transit and handling time and mitigating the risk of damage or loss.
Tooling Management
Client tooling, in particular press tooling, is best stored in the facility where the work is done. Swift maintains an extensive tooling register of client tools that are stored securely in our manufacturing premises. Tools are subject to wear and tear and replacement tools are quoted individually as required. All tools require maintenance to keep them in good working order and Swift undertakes this work on your behalf to maximise the life of the tool and also to ensure the uniformity of the components produced. This is a key aspect of a component supply partner and Swift provide this tooling management and maintenance service at no charge to our valued clients.
Inventory Management
Our clients look for ways to reduce their inventory stock holding and maximise their cash utilisation. Swift can assist through implementing an agreed inventory management plan where forecasts are provided to cover the production of stock which is then held in our warehouse and supplied in accordance with the agreed forecast and reviewed monthly to ensure maximum financial flexibility for our clients. This has the additional benefit of de-risking against warehouse damage or loss in the event of a disaster and is a key driver in the achievement of agreed DIFOT performance metrics.
Cost Reduction Analysis
In today's competitive market we are often asked to assess components and advise on options to reduce the component manufacturing cost. Swift will look at all options such as part redesign, re-tooling, optimising processes, maximising scrap, new technology and/or automation, combining processes or eliminating wasted time and handling along with the time frame required to realise the saving. Often significant savings can be realised as manufacturing technology has progressed significantly in the years since parts were originally designed. Similarly, a change in volumes from when the components were originally produced can have a significant impact on the options that are open to you in today's manufacturing environment.
Personalised Support
Every client is allocated a component consultant who is your dedicated account manager to ensure your component manufacturing is attended to promptly and correctly. All of our component consultants have started their career on the shop floor and are able to answer your questions competently with the collective support of our team's many hundreds of combined years’ experience. We are Australian, we supply right across ANZ, we work in your time zone, and we are passionate about what we do and we want to help you succeed.