In the world of high-volume automotive stamping, a “Press Down” situation is more than an inconvenience—it’s a production emergency. When Wolverine Metal Stamping found their 1000-ton gear-driven, straight-side press out of commission, they needed more than just a repair crew; they needed a partner who could navigate a complex rebuild under extreme time pressure.
As the exclusive Michigan dealer for SEYI stamping presses, HEL, Inc. has built a reputation for excellence that preceded us. Wolverine was referred to us directly through SEYI, knowing that our expertise in repairing heavy-tonnage machinery was the right fit for their automotive supply chain needs.
The Challenge: An Emergency Repair with No Parts on Hand
The 1000-ton Brown Boggs press—a massive straight-side, gear-driven machine used for critical automotive parts—had suffered a catastrophic failure. Wolverine’s team was confident the issue was the clutch, but the clock was ticking. In the automotive industry, every hour of downtime ripple-effects through the entire supply chain.
The HEL, Inc. Strategy: A 4-Day Turnaround
When we say “time-sensitive,” we mean it. Here is how our team jumped into action:
- Next-Day Mobilization: We had an HEL, Inc. crew on-site the very next day to begin the teardown.
- Rigging & Extraction: Our specialized rigging team pulled the heavy clutch assembly and prepared it for immediate transport.
- OEM Partnership: Despite being a Brown Boggs press and not having the specific parts in our current inventory, we worked seamlessly with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). We sent the clutch directly to them for component servicing while we managed the logistics and technical oversight.
- The Hidden Failure: During the process, we discovered that the clutch wasn’t the only culprit—the rotary union had also failed. If we had just fixed the clutch, the press still wouldn’t have run. We diagnosed the secondary failure on the fly to ensure a total fix.
Results: Fast, Precise, and Back in Production
From the initial call to the final re-installation, the entire project was completed in just four days. Achieving a 4-day turnaround on a 1000-ton press rebuild—especially when parts must be sourced and coordinated with an OEM—is nearly unheard of in the industry.
By leveraging our relationships with manufacturers and our deep bench of rigging and mechanical talent, we got Wolverine Metal Stamping back to work before their end-client’s timeline was compromised.
Need a Press Expert?
Whether it’s a planned maintenance project or an emergency repair on a 1000-ton behemoth, HEL, Inc. is Michigan’s first call for stamping press solutions.
Ready to keep your production line moving?
- Get a Quote Today
- Contact HEL, Inc. to discuss your press maintenance needs.
- View our SEYI Press Product page as Michigan’s exclusive dealer.
