Right from start to finish with cross-functional teams
Right from start to finish – a cost-effective solution of the highest quality. This is the result of Willo’s project management involving cross-functional teams. – “We help our customers develop a manufacturable product in a qualitative and secure manner”, says Project Manager Linda Ohlin.
Working with cross-functional teams means that a group of specialists with long experience and wide-ranging expertise take care of the customer’s request. This involves assessing the customer’s request from different perspectives, which in turn reduces the risk of missing something important.
- “Our approach is highly appreciated by our customers”, says Linda Ohlin, one of the project managers at Willo.
- “There are aspects which a mechanical engineer thinks about, but which a measurement engineer might not see, and vice versa. By being involved from the very beginning when a customer intends to industrialise or develop a product, we can provide input, feedback and improvement suggestions at an early stage. We often win contracts thanks to this approach.”
Exciting new technology
Linda Ohlin has worked at Willo for a year now and comes from a background as an preproduction engineer in the automotive industry.
- “The most enjoyable aspect of my job is the variety of tasks and all the exciting new technology that is used in our business areas. I love the feeling of seeing a project progress as planned”
All necessary expertise under one roof
When Willo receives a customer request, a team of specialists in mechanical engineering, quality engineer, purchasing, logistics and marketing is gathered to perform an initial review of the assignment.
It is common to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the customer during the preparation of an offer. When everyone is in agreement, the team identifies and develops the most cost-effective and optimal process for the solution. The final offer is then presented to the customer.
When the offer has been accepted, the team gets together again and analyses the original plan to assess whether it can be followed or whether something needs to be adjusted. It is Linda Ohlin’s role to ensure that the schedule is followed and that all necessary preparation, risk analysis and quality assurance of the process is performed.
Prototype or test series
When the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) has been approved by the customer, the project is handed over to production, while Linda retains the role of project manager. “We can help the customer produce a prototype or a small test series. This is done to secure functionality and design prior to start of serial production.”
Small components
Willo performs turning, milling, grinding, inspection, labelling, assembly and packaging. The company primarily manufactures small precision parts, with the smallest no larger than 0.8 millimetres. A number of the finished products must be inspected under a microscope.
Willo often manufactures products in metals such as titanium, stainless steel, aluminium, copper alloys, free cutting steel and high-performance steel, although the parts may also be produced in plastic.
High level of complexity
Examples of the products produced by Willo include heating elements for the packaging industry, hydraulic parts for industry, and Medtech components such as hearing devices and dental implants.
There is a high level of complexity involved in ensuring that the parts meet high requirements with narrow tolerances in tough materials. This can entail high demands on cleanliness, production in cleanrooms and requirements on documentation management.
2,000 unique products per year
Willo is based in Växjö in southern Sweden and supplies around 2,000 unique products each year.
The company’s founder – Willy Loeffel – was Swiss, and one can say that the tradition of quality and precision embodied by the Swiss Army Knife and Swiss watches can still be found in the parts manufactured by Willo to this day.
Naturally in combination with a modern and cost-effective project management process!