We didn’t just solve a problem. We provided a higher level of quality.
This OEM operates in the agriculture industry, specializing in harvesting and processing equipment for hops, hemp, and hazelnuts. The owner reached out to us to source components for a hook they fabricate as part of a conveyor system developed for the hop harvest. The application uses a bearing which is pressed into a steel wheel and mounted on a shaft.
The McGuire team reviewed a sample, created a dimensional drawing for quoting purposes and put the part into production. When the parts arrived, they were delivered to the customer after passing a secondary inspection which compared them against the production drawings and specifications.
The Challenge
When the parts arrived, the customer expressed concern. The bearings appeared “loose” compared to those typically used in the application, and the OEM wasn’t confident they would hold up during operation. The bearings we received used fewer balls and had a more open internal clearance than those they were accustomed to using.
We investigated internally and discovered that the drawing intended only for quoting purposes was mistakenly released as a production drawing. While the drawing was dimensionally correct, it did not include crucial details about the inner aspects of the assembly and other related information which impacts production specifications.
With the hop harvest only six weeks away, we were left with a huge challenge. This was our mistake, and we had to make it right for the customer.
Our Response
We didn’t make excuses or avoid responsibility. We owned it. We immediately went to work on a solution using parts we could source within the tight timeline in front of us.
Our engineers researched the situation and proposed an initial solution with the capacity, clearance, and sealing properties needed. In this unique application, welding the bearing in place has been required in the past. When this solution was tested by welding the bearing into the assembly, the bearing seals melted. Determined to move forward, we worked closely with the customer to define the important constraints and explore additional solutions.
Ultimately, we provided the customer with a precision bearing which included shields rather than seals and a higher level of quality from the bearings they used previously. Working with this bearing design meant making modifications to the wheel and shaft components typically sourced for the assembly. We assumed the responsibility for these modifications and took the components into the McGuire machine shop to adapt them.
We successfully crossed the finish line and provided our OEM partner with a reliable solution in plenty of time for the pending hop harvest.
Partnership Creates Opportunity
During the search for a solution, the McGuire team earned the respect and trust of the people at this OEM. Our commitment to serving the customer, engineering expertise, and willingness to share information openly was demonstrated through our actions. Not only did we overcome this challenge together, we built a partnership relationship which opens the door to new opportunities for the manufacturer.
Through the McGuire Partnership Process, we identified improvements to the hook design which will increase the value the agricultural equipment manufacturer provides to its customers.
We explored opportunities together to reduce costs, increase product performance, and reduce supply chain risks.
Why it worked
We Own It
Mistakes happen to all of us. The character of a company is revealed in the response. When the McGuire team uncovers a challenge, we Own It. We accept responsibility, search for a solution, and stay accountable until the job is done. We took responsibility for the issues and worked diligently to find a solution.
The Partnering Process
Our dedication to quality impacts everything we do, including our internal systems and how we support our customers. The Partnering Process guides how we solve problems, collaborate with companies, and identify opportunities for improvement. Collaboration wasn’t new to us. It’s how we do business.
Experienced Engineering Team
We understand the value skilled engineers bring to manufacturing. Our approachable team of engineering experts visited the customer multiple times, tested solutions, and worked within the constraints of the application to find the right solution for the customer. Our engineering team is responsive and personally invested in supporting our customers.
The results?
Our commitment to serving the customer, engineering expertise, and willingness to share information openly was demonstrated through our diligent search for a solution. Not only did we overcome this challenge together, we built a partnership relationship which opened the door to new opportunities. That’s the McGuire Difference.
Our engineers love a challenge. Put us to work on your toughest application problem by requesting an engineering review.