Rassini Frenos Case Story - DISA 230
Rassini Frenos, the Brake division of SANLUIS Rassini, based in Puebla, Mexico, manufactures highly engineered, top quality brake system components for pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The Rassini Frenos operates in Mexico and the United States and has strategic alliances with international technological leaders such as Brembo S.p.A. of Italy.
SANLUIS Rassini chose DISA 230 as a platform for the future
Mexican SANLUIS Rassini chose DISA because of superior technology and fast installation.
But they also found that DISA provided superior training, support and service – three things that are equally important in a costconscious operation in a competitive international market.
“We supply brake system components to some of the world’s most prestigious automakers,
including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, BMW, VW, and Mercedes Benz,” says Victor Vega, Director of Purchasing, of Rassini Frenos.
Safety and reliability
“Two things stand out in our business,” Victor Vega explains. “The first is our safety responsibility
to millions of drivers across North America of equipment upon which their lives may depend. The other is our responsibility to our customers. As a supplier to quality-conscious automakers in a competitive market, we have to make sure that they can depend on us for on-time deliveries at competitive prices.”
Technology for growth
The emphasis on product safety and delivery reliability means that the production plant must also be geared to quality excellence and reliability.
“This is in essence why we chose DISA as our foundry machinery supplier. We purchased our
first DISAMATIC in 1997 as part of a new growth strategy at Rassini Frenos,“ Victor Vega continues. “When we won a major contract to supply General Motors with ventilated brake
discs, SANLUIS decided to invest 100 million dollars to build a new foundry and machining
plant. We wanted nothing but the best, and that meant DISA.”
Victor Vega goes on to explain the importance of staying close to the customer. One example of this strategy at Rassini Frenos is the technical centre in Plymouth, Michigan, that supplies a complete design, engineering, testing and logistical services to all the North American automotive industry when they outsourced design and validation etc. to subsuppliers.
“We are ready to grow with our customers and this would not have been possible without the support and commitment of SANLUIS’ personal” says Victor Vega.
DISA rose to the challenge
“The DISAMATIC vertical moulding principle is the only viable process today for the production
of brake rotors,” Victor Vega states. “It is flexible, reliable, faster, and cheaper than other processes. In fact, I believe that 80% of all foundries in the world producing brake discs use the DISAMATIC vertical moulding principle.”
Rassini Frenos currently has one DISAMATIC 2070, two DISAMATIC 2013 MK4, and most recently, two DISA 230 moulding machines, installed. The foundry also uses a COMBICORE and the new DISA Core 300 Cell with robotic core pickup and handling for the core production, DISACOOL cooling drums for shakeout and cooling, and the DT continuous shotblast equipment from DISA for cleaning the castings.
“DISA has certainly proved its worth in terms of efficient production,” Victor Vega emphasises. “We are now aiming to increase production by the end of the year. And in the course of five years, we have drastically reduced our scrap levels”
An investment in the future
The twin DISA 230 moulding machines were also proof of how new technology can contribute
to a decisive improvement in performance. “Take the installation time for the DISA 230, for example,” says Victor Vega. “This was down to a mere seven days with minimum disruption,
something that neither I, nor any of the foundry people I talk to had ever experienced, except of course, those who already had a DISAMATIC moulding machine!”
Victor Vega goes on to praise the DISA 230 as a perfect buy. “It is considerably faster than the
DISAMATIC 2013, it features some big enhancements on the PLC side, and it is based on proven technology and service. The DISA 230 is a real investment in the future, even if you already have a DISAMATIC 2013,” he states.
1 DISAMATIC 2070
2 DISAMATIC 2013MK4
4 DISA 230
1 COMBICORE
1 DISA CORE 300
4 DISACOOL
2 SHOT BLAST machines
Filter equipment
You feel like you are the only customer!
While modern technology and machinery are important, they are still only part of the story. Not even the best equipment will work without trained and motivated operators, and the right technical support.
“Just as important for us as cutting-edge technology and engineering are the training and support we receive,” Victor Vega continues. “DISA may be on the other side of the Atlantic, but they really are only a phone call or an e-mail away. They are always available, always helpful, and they always give us fast answers.”
At Rassini Frenos, training is in focus as never before. ”Here, DISA has led by example. Training
the DISA way has become a success criterion with us. Everyone receives special training
focusing on their particular area of work in the same way that DISA does,” Victor Vega continues.
“For us, people are important, and at DISA this means their understanding of our needs, and their commitment to meet them,” he adds. “The attitude of everyone we talk to at DISA, whatever the reason, is always friendly, attentive and helpful. You feel like you are their only customer!”