National Machinery has found a way to find opportunities in unconventional places by working with a former competitor on a new machine assembly project, according to a news release.
NM-MFG, which is responsible for contracting the project, is an independent division of National Machinery LLC which offers a range of in-house services that include fabrication, machining, heat treating and assembly.
Tim Peiffer and Dave Perry of NM-MFG have maintained a positive business relationship with a one-time competitor, Ajax Manufacturing Co. of Wickliffe, a metal forming machinery manufacturer. NM-MFG had performed other jobs for Ajax, which led to Ajax requesting a bid on this project.
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This Ajax tube upsetting machine is 15 feet wide and 27 feet long, weighs 518,000 pounds and is valued at more than $4 million.
The project was to assemble an Ajax 7 5/8-inch tube upsetting machine that is 15 feet wide and 27 feet long. It weighs 518,000 pounds when fully assembled, and is valued in excess of $4 million.
Although Ajax normally assembles its own machines, due to high activity levels in Ajax's Cleveland factory, the size of the machine and the nearness of National Machinery, Ajax officials decided to contract the work. NM-MFG offers a skilled workforce, direct railway access and facility equipped with a 200-ton crane system.
Initially, the project was to assemble the machine from supplied components. Ajax provided engineering and technical support throughout the assembly process, working along side NM-MFG personnel. The working relationship enabled both companies to deal with the inevitable component fit issues discovered during the assembly process.
NM-MFG was able to use CNC machining capabilities to do additional machine work in house, which eliminated delays and expenses.
The machine now is assembled and Ajax, along with its customer, Rotary Drilling Tools, are conducting tests. It is used to hot forge the ends of pipes required in the oil drilling industry.
After testing, the machine will be disassembled for shipping and it will be shipped by rail to Rotary Drilling Tools, Beasley, Texas.
Find additional information about NM Contract Manufacturing at www.nm-mfg.com.
