DECEMBER - 202119MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTSWe're very focused on high tolerance, complex components, and assembliesMidwest Molding have created a fool proof sequence of methodology to create the best tools and plastic parts to exceed the customers' expectations. At the outset, the client requirements are rigorously evaluated, and the issues that may take place during the molding process are technically addressed. Once the customer approves the final tool design, the pertaining solutions are incorporated, and the highest quality of tools are managed in house and outsourced to their vast array of tooling partners.Midwest Molding's emphasis on automation and innovation is evident in the process they follow during the manufacturing of parts they produce. Their state-of-the-art facility currently houses over 50 fully electric molding machines, ranging from 55T ­ 930T, utilizing various camera systems and sensors that assess the quality of the parts to the highest degree."Everything works in tune as part of a closed-loop system to ensure high quality, repeatable parts are manufactured," remarks Patel.Further explaining how Midwest Molding ensures total client satisfaction, Patel cites a few examples where the company went above and beyond to fulfill the customer requirements. He recounts an instance from 2003 where the company came up with an innovative solution for a lighting fixture unit for a client. The client was inclined toward using connectors from a specific supplier that cost $0.42 each and required a different connector for the left and right-side assembly. This assembly was to be fixed on side mirrors as part of a turn signal. Another issue was to ensure it was sealed to prevent the seeping in of moisture. Midwest Molding assessed the requirements and redesigned the connector in such a way that it couldbe used commonly on both left and right-side assemblies. The company also ensured that the part was self-sealing and removable for future service needs. The cost of the connector was also reduced to $0.26 each.Another factor that Patel credits to Midwest Molding's success is the relationship with its clients and vendors. The company is completely honest and transparent with the clients, looking into all the nuances involved therein. "Our relationship is like a marriage. We all need to work through the problems together. There needs to be trust, honesty, and transparency," explains Patel. If some of the clients' demands seem technically unreasonable, Midwest Molding states them clearly to the clients as he believes in building a strong relationship based on integrity is more important than having a lot of business and poor customer satisfaction.In the wake of the pertaining shortage in labor and the increase in wages, Midwest Molding has been creating fully automated work cells, where feasible, and wishes to continue this philosophy in the future. In addition to highly technical, quality focused work cells, all the employees are provided with in-house and outside training to gain expert knowledge. This enables the enterprise to streamline its process in the most impeccable way to remain lean and cost competitive. Patel believes in incorporating an out-of-the-box approach toward tackling problems, as the challenges keep getting more and more intricate by the day. "We want to be of service to those customers of unknown avenues to help them create the vehicles of tomorrow," concludes Patel.
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