While pretty typical for the industry at that time, we saw an opportunity to improve our customer’s product for their end user. We worked closely with the customer to design and patent a two-piece, bolted assembly, made from cast aluminum. It was challenging because the difference in materials required us to change the part dimensions and balance its weight vs. strength. Ultimately, the manufacturing process included precision CNC milling, assembly, sanding, facing (requiring an outside bonding process), final inspection and retail packaging. To make the part efficiently, we invested in the design and creation of custom mold and trim die.

Our creative solution simplified the process for replacing the part which would save the end user hours of maintenance and replacement time. Our wide-ranging capabilities enabled our customer to purchase and distribute a retail ready part. Bringing that part to market gave them a strategic advantage and strengthened our relationship, which is still going strong more than 25 years later. That’s what it’s like to partner with Rathburn.