Given the fact that Ford – like all automakers – relies on countless suppliers to keep its assembly lines running, it comes as no surprise that The Blue Oval is keen to celebrate suppliers that go above and beyond in that process. In recent years, it has recognized Bilstein as one of its very best Tier 1 suppliers, as well as Hankook, both of which received the automaker’s Q1 certification earlier this year. Now, Compass Systems has received a “Technical Excellence Award” from Ford for its ELS-170 Electrostatic Lubrication System, too.
Compass Systems was awarded this particular honor – which recognizes advancements in technology that support improvements in manufacturing from companies that have demonstrated superior quality, delivery, and performance – for its innovative ELS system, which was installed at the Ford Kansas City Assembly plant back in April 2022. There, ELS is used at the front-of-line to lubricate the blanks during the stamping process for metal body enclosures, such as hoods, trunks, quarter panels and roofs for the Ford Transit.
ELS was designed specifically by Compass Systems for Ford at the automaker’s request, and since its implementation, has increased uptime, improved part yield and stamping-die life, mitigated overspray and resulting messes, and provided substantial savings by optimizing the amount of lubrication needed.
“We are very honored to be selected for this prestigious award,” said Roger Speece, chief technology officer, Compass Systems and Sales. “Since our system was installed, it has lubricated more than five million parts. We are very pleased that Ford is benefiting from our innovative technology and has not only realized cost savings and equipment uptime benefits, but also the sustainability aspects of this technology.”
We’ll have more on Ford’s supplier network soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for ongoing Ford news coverage.
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