Pilkington Automotive Customer Support Services
Pilkington Automotive is increasingly involved in the design and development of new vehicles, moving closer to customers' production lines. Product development benefits are progressively felt in the aftermarket.
Computer Simulation
Pilkington Automotive is a leader in the development and use of computer simulation for advanced glazing technology, at centres in Europe, North America and Japan. Pilkington Automotive works with customers early in the design stage. Computer simulation plays a key role for the vehicle manufacturer and for the glazing supplier providing quick, accurate information on:
- manufacturability/shape achievability/cost
- tooling design (performance, cost impact)
- optical performance
- process selection (e.g. press bending vs. sag bending)
- surface manipulation (optimised surface control)
New Model Introduction
Pilkington Automotive has a well developed and proven New Model Introduction process to carry out in-depth feasibility and modelling studies. These demonstrate how designs can both meet customers' styling intent and comply with optical, durability, shaping and manufacturing requirements. Pilkington Automotive's commitment to innovation means new glazing systems and technologies undergo rigorous quality and durability testing. It also provides prototyping, testing and sampling facilities in the run-up to production to ensure that all demands have been met in the final product.
Full Service Supply
In addition to value-added products and systems, Pilkington Automotive is increasingly working as a full service supplier with certain OE customers, incorporating product sequencing and JIT delivery to the VM's assembly line.
Satellite Operations
Pilkington Automotive is getting closer to customers by introducing satellite operations, assembling glass parts near to - or even on - customers' sites. This provides significant benefits by enabling customers to:
- reduce the number of suppliers they have to deal with
- reduce costs
- cope more efficiently with the ever-changing range of models and options
Engineering
The design of Pilkington Automotive's glass manufacturing equipment is undertaken by Automotive Engineering, whose mission is to provide the NSG Group Flat Glass Business with total solutions through engineering process excellence. It guarantees a complete project engineering service through the life of each project: feasibility studies, design, management of suppliers, commissioning, and ramp-up. Automotive Engineering personnel are based in Italy, USA, Finland and China. The team manages projects on a worldwide basis. The combination of an effective internal team and a consolidated New Process Introduction procedure promotes:
- quality and efficiency improvements to underpin manufacturing excellence;
- rapid development of capital investment to support New Model Introduction and the design of innovative glazing products;
- a greater degree of standardisation and the implementation of best practice in equipment and plants throughout the world.