Rathburn Customer Solution #76
The Importance of Having a Trusted Partner for Rapid Expansion
After several years of supplying Swiss-machined parts for a customer with steady monthly releases, Rathburn had earned its place as a trusted partner. That customer secured a major new medical furniture project, and suddenly needed to not only ramp up volume on existing parts but also add nine additional components. They turned to Rathburn for support with the confidence that the job would be done with excellence.
Scaling Production Without Disruption
Rathburn moved quickly. Leveraging our structured Project Launch process, the team systematically reviewed each new part—including shafts, bushings, and housings—beginning at the RFQ stage. Through Team Feasibility assessments and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), we ensured a complete understanding of specifications, risk factors, and production requirements from the start.
Rapid Ramp-Up
The result was quick samples delivered for approval, followed by a smooth transition from prototype to production. All first samples of all nine parts were approved, and we completed first articles and initial production runs with quick turnaround to meet the aggressive timelines tied to the project. With multiple projects launching simultaneously, our proactive approach minimized delays and ensured consistent quality across both the existing and newly introduced parts.
A Partner For Growth
Today, we continue to support the program with regular quarterly releases based on customer demand. By expanding from an existing source to a broader manufacturing partner, the customer gained both production security and scalable capacity. At Rathburn, companies trust us not just to make parts, but to help them grow.