Metaldyne Selects Plexus Online to Manage Tooling Operations at Ridgway Facility
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 14, 2006 -- Plexus Systems announced today Metaldyne Ridgway, a world leader in powder metal connecting rods, has selected Plexus Online to manage its tooling operation.
The Ridgway, Penn.-based plant will use the Plexus Online Tooling Module to track and manage its entire tooling operation on-demand, in real time through a web browser. The module will reduce tool costs by eliminating manual processing and decreasing order time and tool inventory. It also will streamline communication on the shop floor and with tool suppliers and improve tool tracking, which makes the operation more responsive to changing production schedules.
Plexus Online's Tool Life Analysis capability will help Ridgway identify tools that are not performing to standard and prioritize redesign efforts.
"Tooling is the third largest cost in manufacturing after raw material and labor," said Rob Beatty, Plexus Systems CEO. "For many companies tooling can represent 6-10 percent of their cost structure. That's a pretty big slice of the cost pie. Plexus Online will help reduce those costs by instilling a discipline into the system that will track tools and make sure they are used as efficiently as possible."
Plexus Online will trace the location and status of tools in inventory, track hits against forming tools, facilitate tool staging and help planners make sure there are enough tools in the pipeline to support future production. The module also includes a master tool list and bill of materials.
Metaldyne Ridgway also successfully uses the Plexus Online Quality Planning Module, which helps engineers and quality managers write their FMEAs and control plans, data-collection check sheets, process flows and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submission warrants. The quality and tooling systems run on the same platform, eliminating error-prone redundant lists and promoting data integrity and reliability.
Metaldyne's Sintered Products facility in St. Marys, Penn. also uses Plexus Online.
About Metaldyne
Metaldyne is a leading global designer and supplier of metal-based Components, assemblies and modules for transportation related powertrain and chassis applications including engine, transmission/transfer case, wheel-end and suspension, axle and driveline, and noise and vibration control products to the motor vehicle industry. Headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., Metaldyne has annual revenues of approximately $2.0 billion. The company employs over 7,500 employees at 45 facilities in 14 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.metaldyne.com/ .
About Plexus Systems
For over a decade, Plexus Systems (Auburn Hills, MI) has maintained a singular vision -- to drive significant cost, quality and productivity improvements in the manufacturing sector from the shop floor to the top floor. Plexus Online(TM) is the first true On Demand performance management software system. It delivers a powerful, multi-user interface to the total manufacturing process. With the ability to manage a single facility or an entire enterprise, Plexus Online allows manufacturers to closely track critical aspects of their operation, anywhere, at anytime. Plexus Online consists of over 350 functional modules allowing companies instant access of vital information using a simple web browser. Plexus Online includes shop floor control, traceability, quality management, EDI, accounting and many other capabilities configured as a fully integrated system or as a point solution to augment other ERP software. http://www.plex.com/ .