Pressed for Time

One of the largest metal stamping press manufacturers in North America was recently awarded a contract to install multiple presses at a new automobile manufacturing plant. As with most construction projects, there was a very tight installation schedule for the presses. The project had already been delayed due to unforeseen issues with the plant’s overall infrastructure at the job site. To get back on schedule, the press manufacturer began a search with the aid of their supply chain partner to source the necessary cabling required for the project. One specific motor cable was deemed critical to the project timeline because it would provide the primary power for the presses. The process of identifying potential suppliers for this cable got underway. HELUKABEL was contacted and asked to provide a quotation based on specifications shared by the customer. Given the importance of the project, it was revealed that the same information had been provided to 10 other cable suppliers.

Upon approval of the specifications and samples, HELUKABEL was asked to provide a quote and delivery time. The bid process was competitive as other potential vendors were also approved. Finally, after comparing all the bid packages submitted, HELUKABEL was chosen for the project to supply it’s TOPFLEX® 1000 VFD cable. This shielded, motor power cable with Class K-stranded conductors and a three power plus three (3+3) symmetrical ground configuration met the customer’s flexibility and outside diameter requirements. Additionally, the lead time was a much better fit for the timeline set by the customer compared to other suppliers being considered.

Soon after placing the order, a new challenge appeared – there were going to be limitations on the reel sizes and weights to accommodate transporting the cable to the job site. More importantly, the customer also required special cable packaging and labeling to properly distribute it to the necessary locations once onsite. Due to the early job site delays, the project timeline had been moved up by the end user and the press manufacturer needed help with both an expedited delivery as well as any ideas that would provide time and labor savings at the manufacturing plant.

HELUKABEL engineers came up with the idea to put multiple cut lengths of cable on the reels, with each cut being specifically labeled to designate a location for installation for each press. This would allow the installation crews to move the reels efficiently along the press lines on the factory floor and avoid the possibility of costly mistakes that could occur by cutting and labeling the cable onsite. This idea was approved and detailed cutting and labeling instructions were provided to HELUKABEL’s warehouse team. The special packaging would include over 70 cut lengths of cable and 140 custom labels across multiple reels.