Value Added Distributors is a company specializing in hydraulic hose assembly with locations in eight states across USA. Value Added Distributors serves the mobile hydraulic marketplace including Agriculture, Mining, Construction, Refuge, Lawn and Garden, Defense, Municipalities and more. Their end products are on major OEM’s throughout the country. Other companies in the group are Transmotion LLC and Bent Tubes LLC. Founded in 1995, the Value Added Family of Companies employs over 275 people.
Value Added Distributors is a hydraulic hose manufacturer and a long-time Lillbacka customer. The Value Added Family of Companies owns a whopping 22 Finn-Power crimpers, most of them FP120 production category crimpers. The latest addition to their Finn-Power collection is the CM75QT saw with an extremely accurate automatic measuring device. R&D Engineer Michael Kostelnik is excited about the investment.
“If we see even a fraction of the same benefits that we have been seeing with our crimpers over the years, I will be very excited. To put it short, Lillbacka’s system is that incredible.”
Machines Unlock a Whole New World of Data Analysis
According to Kostelnik, the most significant benefits Finn-Power machines have brought Value Added Distributors are the machines’ automation features and their ability to collect and record data. The company leverages the received data in troubleshooting and in ensuring all aspects of their production remain consistent. For a company manufacturing hoses, data on diameter consistency, for example, is crucial in making sure that the quality of their end product meets customer expectations.
“The machines unlock a whole new world of data analysis. They record every single crimp that goes through. It enables us to ensure consistency between operators, locations, materials – anything you can think of. We can zero in on all details and optimize our production. There are millions and millions of data points. It is unbelievable.”
According to Kostelnik, the data is also beneficial in regards to traceability. Being able to track a specific crimp from a particular day is valuable both in terms of the company’s sales and their production.
“Traceability has been a big help in many instances. It enables us to serve our customers even better and to maintain a high level of product quality.”
Kostelnik points out that the provided data simplifies the work of operators. The smart crimpers instruct them during operation, eliminating burdensome guess work and set-up.
“The secureness of the machines gives us great peace of mind.”
“Having a Long-Term Partner Like Lillbacka Is a Great Asset to Our Business”
In addition to having secure, practically maintenance-free machines, Kostelnik is particularly happy with the consistency between the machines. Almost all Value Added Distributors’ Finn-Power machines are operated with the same software. The company’s training process are easier and less time-consuming when operators only need to be trained to use a machine once. Consistency also increases work safety and reduces the risk of human errors.
Kostelnik is also happy with Lillbacka’s customer service. He is particularly pleased with the fact that Lillbacka has proactively helped them integrate the system to the fullest.
“People at Lillbacka are incredibly helpful. If we want to implement something, they take the time to walk us through it every time. It is invaluable. My favorite part is that I can contact a designated person who is familiar with our situation and can quickly get a hang of what we need. Having a long-term partner like Lillbacka is definitely a great asset to our business.”