[Reformatted from the nVent HOFFMAN case study, with permission.  Download the source document here.]

AMtec Industries has built a competitive advantage to put its customers’ needs first.

For more than 40 years, AMtec Industries, Inc., has delivered custom electrical control panels known for impeccable quality. One panel at a time, the company has earned a reputation for putting customers’ needs first. This level of customer-first service has come with a few operational hurdles. Customized panels and enclosures were often subject to last-minute design or configuration changes that prolonged production timelines. Skilled technicians were forced to reallocate their valuable time to making these changes by hand. In the case of high volume orders, enclosures needed to be outsourced to a modification supplier, creating painful transportation costs and manufacturing delays in the process.

These challenges converged on two obstacles to growth: longer lead times and capacity issues that undermined productivity. To continue delivering on its hard-won reputation for quality while also supporting stronger efficiency and productivity, AMtec needed an automation tool that could bring back panel and enclosure modification full in house - and perform it at scale.

Transforming core operations through automated modification

After witnessing a demo of the nVent HOFFMAN ModCenter, the AMtec leadership team decided to pull the trigger. “nVent HOFFMAN is a trusted partner,” said Brian Pessano, Vice President. “Within a week, we purchased the largest model available.”

This quick decision-making yielded near-immediate results. “The installation and implementation were smoother than expected,” Pessano explained, noting that he and his team were expecting a much steeper learning curve. “Our nVent HOFFMAN account manager was supportive, responsive, and genuinely excited about seeing the benefits of our new investment.” Within a week, the AMtec team was fully leveraging the ModCenter to save time and maximize productivity.

Higher productivity, shorter lead times, and happier employees

The ability to drive faster back panel and enclosure modifications without compromising on quality had a transformative effect on AMtec’s core operations – and its bottom line.

By automating most modifications, the ModCenter allowed AMtec’s team of skilled technicians to apply their expertise to more complex, value-add electro-mechanical assembly tasks. For higher volume projects, the ModCenter significantly reduced the transportation and logistical costs associated with moving in-progress enclosures between suppliers, outsourced modification suppliers, and AMtec.

Among the ModCenter’s functions, the ability to drill and tap were especially helpful. After seeing the direct positive impact of automated modification, AMtec decided to pair the ModCenter with a PEM machine for further efficiency.

“Since acquiring the ModCenter, we’ve seen noticeable gains in productivity, shorter lead times, and happier employees,” said Pessano of the ModCenter’s impact. “With the exception of product changeovers, the ModCenter is running non-stop during business hours.”

ModCenter Key Features for Maximum Impact

• Precise and clean holes and cutouts
• No more measuring and marking tasks
• Guided by easy-to-use software that integrates with industry-standard CAD .dxf files
• Suitable for one-off panels and high volume projects requiring 100% repeated accuracy
• Works with all common panel and enclosure materials
  • Mild carbon steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Die cast aluminum