News and Information
ASIMCO Camshaft (Yizheng) Co., Ltd.
Unite and Strive to Win the Future
Release Date:
19-05-09
I joined the Yizheng Camshaft Factory (the predecessor of ASIMCO Camshaft Company) in 2000, and I was fortunate to witness the camshaft business evolve from a small enterprise serving the mid- to low-end aftermarket into a “young” company whose primary customers are leading domestic and international mid- to high-end engine manufacturers. Here, I’d like to share a brief story that looks back on our team’s journey of hard work and perseverance. On April 7, 2007, thanks to the efforts of the company’s senior management, we received a global project development assignment from Cummins: DEP plant was tasked with developing an AVALON 3.8L engine and sourcing Chinese suppliers, with projected annual sales of 150,000 units by 2015. Prior to this, we had no experience collaborating with international clients on new-product development. The customer required that a sample be shipped from China to the UK plant by June 8, yet as of April 7, the engineering drawings had not yet been finalized—there were more than twenty outstanding issues that needed to be discussed and confirmed by both parties. However, these challenges did not deter us; instead, they ignited an unwavering spirit of determination within the team. First, the project team compiled a comprehensive list of issues identified in the drawings. To stay on schedule, we obtained approval from Cummins’ SQI department and engaged directly with the product designers, thoroughly preparing for the task. We presented the design engineers with two clear options—YES or NO—and over the course of two weeks, we resolved the major outstanding issues through mutual agreement, then moved on to planning the mold design, manufacturing, machining process, tool selection, and procurement—tasks that naturally require considerable time. Second, before commencing production, we identified potential risk points in the manufacturing process and conducted a process FMEA analysis. Engineers used physical models of the product to simulate each operation on the relevant equipment, checking for interference, verifying the suitability of cutting tools and grinding wheels, assessing compatibility with existing tooling, and ensuring that machine travel distances were adequate. Every single risk was meticulously documented, reviewed by the project team, and discussed to develop appropriate solutions. Third, in early May, the mold components arrived, but the chills had not yet been delivered. After deliberation, the team decided to use trial machining to validate whether the previously planned processes, tools, equipment, and tooling were effective. We used 20 raw blanks that had not undergone chill treatment and ran a trial run of the machining process. During this trial, several new issues emerged—for example, the AVALON camshaft features a through-hole in its middle section, which could not be machined using the initially prepared tools; even after switching to carbide tools, the problem persisted. We promptly communicated with the design engineers, explained the current difficulties and proposed follow-up measures, and worked together with the customer to formulate a solution. During product assembly and inspection, we encountered various other challenges as well. By tapping into our internal resources and leveraging our collective expertise, we ultimately resolved all these issues. At the same time, we maintained seamless communication with the design engineers and SQI, while also seeking external support when necessary. Throughout the project, team members worked around the clock, day and night, tirelessly. On June 7, 2007, Cummins’ SQI personnel visited the factory to conduct an on-site quality inspection and approve the release of the first batch of samples, which were successfully delivered. Subsequently, after more than a year of preparation, leveraging existing resources and making only a modest investment, our team established a Cummins AVALON production line that passed the customer’s PPAP audit. In November 2008, the production line entered SOP, and the company officially began supplying finished products to Cummins on a large scale. In 2011, Cummins praised our company, stating: “Using second-hand equipment that would normally be considered obsolete, you have produced world-class products.” Through this project, our company has consecutively won eight years of awards from the customer, including Best Supplier, Best Quality, Best Continuous Improvement, and Best Lean Production, bringing great honor to the company. Moreover, the success of the AVALON project has enabled our team to accumulate valuable experience, laying a solid foundation for the company’s sustained, high-quality development. This story demonstrates our team’s indomitable spirit in the face of adversity, highlighting the boundless potential and entrepreneurial drive of the entire camshaft team—qualities that are truly invaluable assets for our company. As the enterprise continues to grow and thrive, it is precisely this spirit that will ensure our continued success and enable us to eventually become a company respected by both customers and the market.
I joined the Yizheng Camshaft Factory (the predecessor of ASIMCO Camshaft Co., Ltd.) in 2000, and was fortunate to witness the Camshaft’s transformation from a small enterprise serving the mid- and low-end aftermarket to a “young” company whose major customers are domestic and international mid- and high-end engine OEMs. Here, I’d like to share a short story with you to look back on the company team’s journey of hard work.
On April 7, 2007, thanks to the efforts of the company’s senior management, DEP Plant received a global project development assignment from Cummins to develop an AVALON 3.8L engine and identify Chinese suppliers, with projected annual sales reaching 150,000 units by 2015.
Prior to this, we had no experience collaborating with international clients on new-product development. The client requested that a sample be shipped from China to the UK factory by June 8; however, as of April 7, the engineering drawings had still not been finalized, with more than twenty outstanding issues that required joint discussion and confirmation. Despite these challenges, we were undeterred—on the contrary, they galvanized the team’s unwavering determination and high morale.
First, the project team compiled a list of issues identified in the drawings. To stay on schedule, we obtained approval from Cummins SQI to communicate directly with the product designers, thoroughly prepare in advance, and present the design engineers with two binary options—YES or NO. Over the course of two weeks, we finalized agreement on the key issues, after which we initiated planning for mold design, manufacturing, and machining process development, as well as tool selection and procurement, thereby commencing preparations for these time-intensive tasks.
Secondly, prior to product manufacturing, identify potential risk points in the manufacturing process and conduct a process FMEA analysis. Engineers use the product model to simulate the machining sequence on each piece of equipment, checking for interference, verifying the suitability of cutting tools and grinding wheels, assessing the compatibility of existing tooling, and ensuring that machine tool travel limits are adequate. Each identified risk is meticulously documented, then reviewed by the project team, which discusses and develops appropriate mitigation solutions.
Thirdly, in early May, the mold shaft was in place, but the chills had not yet been installed. After discussion, the team decided to use trial machining to verify whether the previously planned processes, cutting tools, equipment, and tooling were effective. We used 20 blanks that had not undergone chill treatment to run a trial machining process. During the trial run, several new issues were discovered, such as: the AVALON Camshaft has a through-hole in the middle, which could not be machined with the originally prepared cutting tools; even after switching to carbide tools, the machining still failed. We promptly communicated with the design engineers, informed them of the current difficulties and the subsequent measures, and worked with the customer to develop a solution. During product assembly and inspection, various challenges also arose. By tapping into our internal potential, we ultimately resolved all the problems. At the same time, we maintained seamless communication with the design engineers and SQI, and sought external support.
Project-level team members worked around the clock, day and night, until late into the evening. On June 7, 2007, Cummins’ SQI conducted an on-site quality inspection at our facility, approved the release of the qualified supply, and the sample was successfully delivered. Subsequently, after more than a year of preparation, the team leveraged existing resources and a modest additional investment to establish a Cummins AVALON production line, which passed the customer’s PPAP review. In November 2008, the production line reached SOP, and the company officially began supplying finished products to Cummins on a volume basis. In 2011, Cummins commended our company for using second-hand equipment—equipment that would normally be considered obsolete—to produce world-class products. Through this project, our company has consecutively won the Customer’s Best Supplier Award, Best Quality Award, Best Continuous Improvement Award, and Best Lean Manufacturing Award for eight years running, thereby earning significant recognition for the company. Moreover, the success of the AVALON project has enabled our team to accumulate valuable experience, laying a solid foundation for the enterprise’s sustained, high-quality development.
This story demonstrates our team’s fighting spirit in the face of difficulties and our determination not to give up, reflecting the Camshaft team’s unlimited potential and spirited entrepreneurial spirit. These are all valuable assets of the company. As the enterprise continues to grow and thrive, with this kind of spirit, we are confident that we will achieve one victory after another and eventually become a company respected by users and the market.
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ASIMCO Camshaft (Yizheng) Co., Ltd.
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