When a major OEM in the energy distribution industry set out to streamline operations and improve part quality to meet their growth objectives, they turned to Ramsden. The project began nearly a decade ago when the customer made a strategic decision to redesign their product offering to improve operational efficiency, simplify supply chains and tackle exponential growth opportunities.

Originally relying on over 60 sand-cast components across their product portfolio from a variety of casting sources, the customer had begun consolidating product offerings and re-evaluating supply chain relationships. After a thorough consultation process and vendor evaluation cycle, our customer chose to reduce the number of supplier relationships to focus on those they had confidence in to support their aggressive growth plans – they chose to grow with Ramsden.

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How Ramsden Helped

By choosing Ramsden as their permanent mold aluminum casting partner, this OEM simplified its operations and secured a more scalable, reliable casting solution. Beyond onboarding a new supplier, they gained a lasting partner.

With a shared commitment to continuous improvement and enduring partnership, Ramsden was awarded the critical aluminum casting components for the redesigned gas meter assembly.  What followed was a focussed, iterative development process rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared standards for excellence.

Specific Initiatives:

➖ Process Conversion

Ramsden worked closely with our customer to evaluate opportunities for process conversion from sand casting to permanent mold. With extensive technical expertise in the development of both tilt pour and low pressure casting processes, Ramsden has the ability to customize casting processes to best meet part requirements. Two critical components were targeted as ideal candidates for process conversion – one ideal for tilt pour permanent mold; the other ideal for low pressure casting. 

The complex geometry of the cover casting and high pressure requirements in operation made the part an ideal part for the low pressure casting process. Low pressure casting provides enhanced leak tight characteristics and allows for unique tooling design flexibility. Ramsden’s technical expertise and process design capabilities delivered a unique mold design to ensure the performance of the part, repeatable quality over time, and customer value.  

The plate casting was a far simpler part design and Ramsden employed the tilt pour process to maximize the quality of the part and cost efficiency in production while maintaining the stringent quality requirements.

The development process reflected a team-based approach and a foundational principle of how Ramsden works  – an approach in which Ramsden’s goals are aligned with the customer goals to maximize performance, not just the part.

➖ Partnership Approach

With long development and approval cycles, the project spanned nearly a decade from initial parts samples, through strict regulatory hurdles and into the production ramp up for the customer. Ramsden’s patience and persistence served to ensure continued focus and collaboration aligned with customer needs, pace and priorities.

Now in full production, this project served as the starting point for deepening collaboration and capitalizing on additional opportunities as the customer advances innovation in its industry. Subsequent part conversion projects , and additional value-added services provided by Ramden support continued improvement of the customers’ operations.

Ramsden now manages supply chain partners to supply machined components. This has strengthened the relationship over time and both companies have benefited from the cooperation and growth. This is what partnership can look like – trust over time.

The Impact

Ramsden has become their trusted sole supplier for permanent mold aluminum castings. The seeds of partnership planted more than a decade ago have sprouted to full production and business growth together. It is a partnership built on shared vision, shared values, aligned priorities and focus on the end goal. 

The success of building the relationship together – with shared focus on quality, value and partnership – has led to continued improvements over many years. Additional products have been redesigned to leverage Ramsden’s technical expertise and commitment to collaboration. Process conversions from sand casting to permanent mold and low pressure permanent mold casting methods has resulted in improved quality and performance, lower costs and streamlined supply chain management.

Smarter Casting Starts with Trust

Our team understands that trust is earned over time and is anchored in understanding – understanding customer needs and goals and working alongside them as a partner for long term success. Trust comes from doing what is right, delivering on our commitments, and sharing the breadth and depth of our expertise so that you feel you can rely on us as your own.

As one of our team members put it:

“We care to make a difference for people when they need a difference made.”

Let’s start the conversation. If you’re exploring performance improvement in your operation, on a specific project, or seeking a proven aluminum casting supplier with long-term partnership in mind, we are ready to start the journey with you.