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Where are global car manufacturers getting air conditioning compressor valves now that BPE Hoddesdon has closed down?
In late 2009 I emailed you that Barnes Precision Engineering (of Detroit) was closing down its small factory in Hoddesdon, Herts, which I was told was Europe's only supplier of stamped valves for car A/C compressors. The presses were to shipped to their Singapore and Brazilian operations. At that time Toyota wasn't happy with the resulting length of supply chain for these components that apparently have a 'use by' date.
Last year, volcanic ash from Iceland interfered with 'just-in-time' strategies, but nobody seemed to have learned the lesson and invested in securing homemade supplies. Now, surprise, surprise one year on, the Tsunami has given all motor manufacturers a global hit with disrupted supplies, to the point where Vauxhall executives were warning that the future of UK car production is at risk unless we begin to manufacture more parts here. I wonder where Europe is sourcing valves for A/C compressors now? Whatever happens, the UK is still an island nation. Now more than ever it is an economy totally dependent on foreign imports, and, after one dependent on foreign creditors to fund a lifestyle it can't afford.
Last year, volcanic ash from Iceland interfered with 'just-in-time' strategies, but nobody seemed to have learned the lesson and invested in securing homemade supplies. Now, surprise, surprise one year on, the Tsunami has given all motor manufacturers a global hit with disrupted supplies, to the point where Vauxhall executives were warning that the future of UK car production is at risk unless we begin to manufacture more parts here. I wonder where Europe is sourcing valves for A/C compressors now? Whatever happens, the UK is still an island nation. Now more than ever it is an economy totally dependent on foreign imports, and, after one dependent on foreign creditors to fund a lifestyle it can't afford.
Asked on 22 April 2011 by RT, via email
Answered by
Honest John
Good thinking. Things are now getting back to normal now after forcing Toyota onto a one and a half days week and Honda down to 50 per cent. We warned of these supply problems with a rolling item at HJUK as soon as the earthquake and Tsunami hit, back on 15 March. Your proposal will make cars more expensive. But then so is the demand v/s supply situation whenever parts are in short supply.
Tags:
air con
spare parts
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