The Importance of Having a state-of-the-art Manufacturing Facility
As an aerospace contract manufacturer many of the inquiries we receive from perspective customers (not totally familiar with our capabilities), focus on equipment (type and size), systems software (ERP/MRP), and certifications (ISO/AS/ITAR), all legitimate and important lines of inquiry when assessing specific and overall abilities. In addition to these items, we would like to make mention of an additional item sometimes overlooked but no less impactful, and that is the importance of having a state-of-the-art facility.
We at Intrex Aerospace are proud of our 75,000 sq. ft. facility. We have occupied our current building since 2013. It has served us well and that is no accident. Prior to our move in 2013 it became obvious that we needed not only an expansion of sq. footage but an upgrade of different aspects of our building. Much thought and attention were given to factors (operational, strategic, financial, regulatory) that would best serve our needs moving forward. Our plans and accompanying decisions have had a positive impact on our present cost structure, scalability, workforce efficiency, and overall competitiveness.
We would like to share with you some of our considerations as we worked our way through the process.
Facility Design and Layout
Our considerations to building and layout were focused on:
- Additional sq. footage – We knew we need more. We ultimately expanded from 30,000 to 75,000 sq. ft
- Utilities – Reliability/cost (electricity, water, natural gas, compressed air—must meet operational demands and room for expansion). Our building easily meets those requirements.
- Efficient material flow – With expanded sq. footage we wanted to reduce bottlenecks. Discussion was had on such things such as: adequate ceiling heights, floor load capacity, material raw storage. We wanted to implement more lean manufacturing practices, designing flexibility to accommodate product changes and new technologies
- Work-in-progress (WIP), finished goods, quality inspection, maintenance and offices
Equipment and Technology
To be an effective competitive aerospace contract manufacturer, updating capital equipment and software systems is necessary and ongoing. Machine and system software selection must align with production volume, precision requirements, and product mix. Another element in our equipment consideration is automation. The contract aerospace business because of the low-to-medium volume mix is challenging as related to making automation viable, but thanks to recent market introduction of more easily integrated automation packages, different levels of robotics/automation are becoming economically feasible.
The latest generations of CNC machine tools have greatly expanded not only robotic integration but data connectivity (real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and integrated ERP/MRP systems) all can dramatically improve efficiency and traceability.
Employee Retention
We do business globally and most the finished products we produce are shipped out of our local area, however having a continued presence in the Denver metro area, maintaining our experienced work force and company culture was very important to our past success and future growth. We are fortunate to have an experienced workforce with many long tenured employees. Many have 30+ years of producing our aerospace components. Their machining, assembly, and logistics skills are invaluable and not easily replicated. Employee retention was a high priority.
Quality Systems and Certifications
We are aerospace focused. All our parts flow through our AS 9100 quality management system. We are also ISO 9001 certified and have ITAR registration for DOD components. Because of our expanded sq. footage, we can embed inspection areas w/CMM’s within certain cells on our shop floors, increasing efficiencies, decreasing scrap and improving part throughput.
Future Growth
A well-planned manufacturing facility balances efficiency, flexibility, quality, and cost control. Our facility is designed with long-term growth in mind. Our flexible equipment, a robust ERP/MRP system and open floor layout allows scaling without major reconstruction. We also have plenty of room for future expansion.
We Would Like to Hear from You
If you would like to have a conversation with us, we would welcome the opportunity. Please click here for contact information.
