In the tool and die industry, precision is everything. Moulds for today’s medical device and high-end machine tool manufacturers often have critical tolerances measured in thousandths of a millimeter.
Oakley Die & Mold is located in Mason, in the U.S. state of Ohio, and is known for world-class expertise in CNC machining, precision tools, mould making, tool repair and build-to-order project fabrication. It was seeing solid growth, but wanted to incorporate more rigorous lean practices in its operations to create a strategic advantage over competitors. As part of that focus, it was looking to achieve ISO 9000 certification.
One of the requirements for ISO 9000 certification is proper documentation of quality management processes, which for Oakley includes how it maintains and manages calibrated tools and gauges. It wasn’t currently documenting tool calibration, and despite its reputation for excellence in precision manufacturing, its calibration system wasn’t as precise as it could be.
Comment: The UK is closer to deindustrialisation than reindustrialisation
"..have been years in the making" and are embedded in the actors - thus making it difficult for UK industry to move on and develop and apply...