Automotive Paint Facility
Conveyance System
US Tsubaki
Photo credit: Tsubaki
CLIENT
Tsubaki
INDUSTRY
Automotive
PROJECT SCOPE
Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Piping
LOCATIONS
Southeastern U.S.
SilMan Industries was engaged by Tsubaki (US Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC) to implement an automotive paint facility and conveyor system for a leading manufacturer.
An Unusual Route to a Successful Outcome
The end-user for this project expanded its line capacity at this facility to accommodate two-tone color capabilities for a new model. The paint facility system update was scheduled during the automaker’s 2020 summer shutdown.
The successful outcome of the project is a direct result of the leadership and collaborative impulse of Tsubaki team member Jeff Neagle.
Once all bids for the project were received, it became clear that the price-tag for the project was in excess of budget. Mr. Neagle reached out to the SilMan team with a cost-plus plan that put him in the project manager role. This arrangement created a unique opportunity for each company to bring their own unique strengths to the table:
- SilMan’s veteran mechanical and electrical teams with hands-on experience in the facility.
- Neagle’s top-flight management skills and intimate knowledge of Tsubaki equipment.
Tom Mangin, SilMan’s account manager for the project, said, “This was a bold step! Jeff’s willingness to step out of the traditional Client-Contractor model and put his own sweat into the game was remarkable. It’s a testament to his character and commitment to his company.”
Moreover, Mr. Neagle’s people skills contributed toward building an effective team to tackle this highly complex undertaking.
The end results are a satisfied end-user and Tsubaki with a project completed on schedule and within budget.
For SilMan, this project reveals a mode in which our team is at its best: flexible and collaborative, and always seeking innovative ways to reach client goals. Or better yet, help them to discover unseen efficiencies in their operation or facility — like we recently did for Levi Strauss & Co.
[Note: Due to a non-disclosure agreement, company names and project photos are not available for this article.]
Speak to a key team member on this project
Meet Tom Mangin.
For more information about this project or related topics, contact Tom by email or call directly at 925.984.8992.
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Automotive Paint Facility
The project, known as “Top Coat Process Body Paint Conveyance System Installation,” calls for the mechanical and electrical removal and relocation of the existing equipment and complete installation and commissioning of new conveyance and paint shop equipment.
All installed equipment was provided by Tsubaki.
Scope of Work included:
- Mechanical Installation
- Piping Installation
- Electrical Installation
- Project Management
- Safety
Challenges
Undertaking this project during the COVID-19 health crisis brought a unique set of challenges for our team. Prior to beginning this project, SilMan had created and adopted a comprehensive Coronavirus plan, so our coordinators and site leadership were ready already well-practiced in the execution of our guideline. Nonetheless, closed quarters and high heat were daily challenges for site supervisors and team members alike.
You may review SilMan’s Exposure Control, Prevention, and Response Plan here.
Onsite team leader Matt Gann is to be commended for the patience and leadership he brought to the team throughout the process.
Did You Know: SilMan and the Auto Industry
SilMan was responsible for the decommissioning, relocation, and re-commission of the NUMMI assembly line from Fremont, California to Blue Springs, Mississippi in 2010. SilMan has also performed work for the new inhabitants of the Fremont plant, Tesla.
NUMMI was a joint-venture between Toyota and General Motors.
Team SilMan Onsite
The daily regimen of working in an automotive plant is deeply embedded in SilMan’s culture. In fact, many of our team members have significant histories in the auto industry.
The number-one key to success in automobile plants is quality. Craftsmanship and meticulous detail-orientation are integral to every complex process. In the auto industry, however, this standard is magnified due to the complexity and cost of the vehicles, and safety concerns for plant workers and end-user drivers alike.
These criteria are an excellent match for SilMan’s track record working complex environments, like an automotive paint facility, for major brands such as Brown Forman and Georgia Pacific.
With this history and expertise, SilMan’s project management and safety teams expertly handled the required daily reporting and safety requirements outlined by Tsubaki and the end-user:
- Complete checklists, as required, during each phase of installation.
- Complete and submit a Daily Work Report.
- Clean work area after each and every day.
About Tsubaki
Officially known at Tsubakimoto Chain Co., the company is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.
Tsubaki’s United States operation is based in Wheeling, Illinois and is a major automotive OEM in North America, serving General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Chrysler, and Magna.
Tsubaki is an international leader in power transmission and motion control technologies, manufacturing chains and related parts, such as sprockets, clutches and power transmission components.
The company is also active as a material handling provider, primarily serving the automotive industry with a specialization in paint shop conveyor systems.
This project is SilMan’s first opportunity to work with Tsubaki.
Here is a short video introducing Tsubaki’s offerings.
About SilMan
SilMan Industries (previously SilMan Construction) is based in San Leandro, California. Founded in 2008, the firm operates nationwide in three divisions – Construction, Material Handling and Site Services – and partners with “best in class” companies in the Industrial, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Public Works sectors. For more information, please visit www.silmanindustries.com/about.
