The operation is going surprisingly well. The ELGi team were only 90 minutes late picking us up for our first visit.
The contract cameraman was on time and we sat discussing the bad Indian appointment keeping while we waited.
Off we went to the huge Hyundai factory complex. It is surrounded by all the little parts suppliers.
First stop was at SEA Hydrosystems. They make nothing but hydraulic rams for many of the big equipment manufacturers including Australia.
It was with some surprise that I found 90% of the machinery is air operated. The entire factory relies on two ELGi compressors, one of which had 40,000 hours on it.
Usual drinks in the boardroom with anyone who is anybody. Lots of photos and the ELGi sales manager cornered the Chief Engineer trying to get him to buy a new compressor.
Off to lunch at a fabulous resort strangely called Queensland. I doubt most of the ELGi staff had ever eaten in such a flash place.
Anyhow, work to be done. Back to Hyundai city and to Grupo Antolin. This factory was immaculate with polished floors. It is a Spanish company and 4 out of 5 cars in the world have some or all of their interiors and upholstery made by GA.
The entire huge factory is totally air driven by just one huge ELGi compressor from which was coming a screaming bearing noise. Down for maintenance in January. Talk about all your eggs in one basket.
Another boardroom gathering, interesting talk about their operations, more tea and photos and the ELGi people telling the Engineering Director to get his act together and either repair or replace the compressor. On a good day they can pinch out half a million dollars worth of product. A compressor stopped for one day will cost more than an entire new one.
