OEM or Rebuilder: Operators Face a Key Choice When Repairing or Rebuilding Forging Equipment
A prime example is Ajax-CECO-Erie Press, which has merged leading brands Chambersburg (CECO), Ajax Manufacturing and Erie Press Systems under the Park Ohio parent company.
Due to mergers, acquisitions, and some OEMs going out of business, the forging equipment repair business has moved toward rebuilders. However, the large remaining OEMs have re-dedicated their efforts to providing parts manufactured to the original design specs along with quicker repair turnaround at a competitive cost.
A prime example is Ajax-CECO-Erie Press, which has merged leading brands Chambersburg (CECO), Ajax Manufacturing and Erie Press Systems under the Park Ohio parent company.
Today, the company is the largest forging equipment manufacturer in North America and services the original products of all three companies with the strength of their combined engineering resources and field services. OEMs like Ajax-CECO-Erie Press remain the repository of detailed forging equipment knowledge, which is a key consideration for repairing or rebuilding a forger.
While utilizing a rebuilder is an option, the cost of having an incomplete or incorrect repair is born by the operator. Forging performance may be sub-optimal, the forger may operate less efficiently, and equipment life may be shortened. Often there is no warranty offered on the repair or rebuild. Importantly there can also be operator safety risk and OSHA compliance issues too.
Instead, choosing an OEM with large spare part inventories can reduce service times, compared to utilizing a rebuilder that would first need to purchase a piece of steel and then machine it. The parts and the rebuild are also backed with a warranty from the OEM.
Working with an OEM also gives an operator the option to consider replacing their forger rather than rebuilding. Today's modern forging equipment benefits from automation and modern options added to deliver enhanced efficiencies. They are also built to comply with all required safety regulations without a need to retrofit.
For more information on Ajax-CECO-Erie Press please visit https://www.ajax-ceco.com.
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