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What's Been Happening at Norican Group in Q3

Grede’s Digital Transformation with Monitizer: Early Successes and Future Plans

Grede, a leading foundry company, has embarked on a significant digital transformation across its nine North American foundries. By implementing Norican Group’s Monitizer | DISCOVER IIoT solution, Grede aims to enhance production quality and reduce costs. Within just four months, all foundries using the new system have successfully reduced their scrap rates.

The push towards digitalization accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many experienced employees left the industry. Grede’s Chief Technology Officer, Susan Bear, emphasized the importance of replacing traditional know-how with data to bridge the skills gap and improve efficiency. The company plans to roll out IIoT by 2026, followed by AI-driven process optimization.

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“We’re moving from the art of the foundry to the science of metalcasting™. Systems and innovation are critical to our success. We will use data and AI to take the variability out of our process to produce high-quality castings at lower cost.”

- Cary Wood, CEO at Grede

Norican Group

Choosing Monitizer

Grede selected Monitizer for its robust capabilities and long-standing relationship with Norican. The platform’s ability to collect and analyze data from various equipment, coupled with its AI-powered optimization, made it an ideal choice. Monitizer’s modular design and user-friendly dashboards have facilitated a smooth and swift implementation across all foundries.

 

Environmental Policy | Norican Group

Immediate Benefits

The implementation of Monitizer has already yielded significant benefits. Real-time data monitoring and sophisticated alarm functions have enabled quick responses to potential issues, reducing scrap rates and improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). One foundry reported a 50% reduction in scrap due to better sand quality management.

 

Whistleblowing | Norican Group

Future Plans

Grede is currently connecting its melt shops and plans to integrate AI optimization with Monitizer | PRESCRIBE. This next phase aims to leverage AI to manage the complex variables in foundry operations, further enhancing efficiency and quality. The company anticipates continued positive changes and increased competitiveness as it fully embraces digitalization.

 

Grede’s commitment to digital transformation, supported by Norican’s Monitizer, is driving significant improvements in production quality and cost efficiency. With full C-suite support and a clear vision, Grede is well on its way to setting new standards in the foundry industry.

In Other News

ItalPresseGauss| Norican Group

Around the World With ItalPresseGauss (IPG)

The IPG experts have been showcasing innovative solutions on a global scale, reaching audiences from Slovenia to Mexico. We understand that reducing scrap is crucial for achieving sustainable and cost-effective production processes. By leveraging a variety of methods, including advanced digital solutions, specialized features in High Pressure Die Casting machines (HPDC), and state-of-the-art automation technologies, we are committed to supporting all approaches that contribute to this goal.

 

Spend just 10 minutes at ItalPresseGauss to see the impact! 

StrikoWestofen | Norican Group

Westomat Duo Helps Handtmann Hit Increased Production Targets and Innovate for Automotive

Handtmann’s light metal casting division has relied on StrikoWestofen technology for over two decades to produce high-quality castings for the automotive industry. With increasing demand and limited space, they recently added the Westomat Duo, praised for its efficient space-to-benefit ratio and ease of use, further strengthening their long-term partnership focused on innovation and sustainability.

Want to Know More? Contact Norican Group