VAN~ROB takes over Brown corp.of waverly

[Van Rob of waverly]

van rob ~ bought brown corp of waverly ohio
Company Overview

Van-Rob, Inc. engages in the design and manufacture of metal stampings, modular welded assemblies, structural welded assemblies, mechanical assemblies, and heat shields for thermal applications. The company’s products include heat shields, fuel doors, IP reinforcements, structural welded assemblies, interior trim products, and engineered stampings. It serves automobile manufacturers. Van-Rob, Inc. has strategic alliance with Kirchhoff Group. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Aurora, Canada. It has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Mexico, and China. The company has sales and marketing office in Windsor; and sales support in Mexico,Japan and germany

200 Vandorf Sideroad

Aurora, ON L4G 3G8

Canada

Founded in 1980

[Van Rob of waverly]

Established in 1979, Van-Rob has grown from a small operation to ten locations with a strategic alliance in the Kirchhoff Group, providing global distribution and a minority financial partner in Clairvest Group Inc. We thrive on knowing how to service our customers and have received numerous awards from clients such as, General Motors, Ford, Visteon, DaimlerChrysler, International Truck, Subaru and Auto Alliance.

We are successful because we provide opportunities for the personal growth and advancement of our people. Our leading-edge technology is supported by certified laboratories and ISO/TS systems and Full-Service Supplier status. Our Advanced Product Quality Planning program ensures best practices from concept to finished product. Our delivery systems enable us to support our customers’ JIT operations. Custom packaging helps meet all logistics and ergonomic requirements.

[Van Rob of waverly]

History

Van-Rob’s journey to success has not followed typical industry patterns. When automakers have sought to reduce the number of companies in their supply base, Van-Rob has established new customer relationships. It has established long-term partnership agreements with customers and suppliers, while other companies retreated into short-term decisions in a bid to maintain competitiveness. Where manpower has been eliminated through the use of automation, Van-Rob has pursued a healthy balance between people and technology; and in many other respects has taken a long-term view of its relationship with employees.

The benefit of this long-term view has been superior customer service and technical skills, innovation, customer awards, expanding business and an exciting future.

[Van Rob of waverly]

Founder and CEO

Peter van Schaik
Mr. Peter van Schaik was born in Montfoort, Holland and immigrated to Canada in 1963. He worked as a Tool & Die Maker, Tool & Die Designer and Plant Manager for various tooling companies prior to forming his own firm, Van-Tak Tool & Die, in 1976.

In 1979, Mr. van Schaik partnered with Art Simpson and formed Van-Rob concentrating on servicing the automotive industry in the production of small and medium metal stamped parts. In 1988, the company reorganized and he became the sole proprietor of Van-Rob.

Today, Peter is a highly respected entrepreneur whose vision and leadership have dramatically expanded the capabilities and facilities of the organization to include five manufacturing facilities in the greater Toronto area and a sales and marketing office in Windsor.

The company has also established a global presence with two facilities in the United States, two facilities in Mexico, a joint venture in China and a strategic alliance with the Kirchhoff Group in Europe. The growth and development of Van-Rob over the years has been exceptional, however, Peter still maintains a high level of visibility on the shop floors and is on a first name basis with most of his employees. He remains CEO of Van-Rob and directs strategic planning for the organization with regards to technology, future growth, development and key management positions.

Peter demonstrates his belief in people everywhere and in his enthusiastic support of education for young people. Over the years he has provided funding to several universities and hospitals and he currently serves as a director on the board of the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation and Exco Technologies Ltd. Peter along with his wife Teresa van Schaik are Directors of the Van-Rob Undergraduate Scholarship Awards and the Simon van den Berg Award offered to the children of Van-Rob employees. Both personally and through the corporation, he provides assistance to a wide range of charitable organizations.

[Van Rob of waverly]

Awards

Van-Rob is continually recognized as a leader in the automotive industry.


General Motors Supplier of the Year

For the years: 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999,
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006





Ford Q1 – Ford Full-Service Supplier

DaimlerChrysler DCX Gold Award


Saturn Quality Award



Navistar Diamond Supplier Award for Quality, Delivery and Cost

[Van Rob of waverly]

With the increasing globalization of the auto-parts industry, Van-Rob has established a network of engineering, marketing and manufacturing resources necessary to support global vehicle platforms.

Central to this support is a strategic alliance with the Kirchhoff Group, a leading European-based auto parts supplier. Coupled with Van-Rob’s technical, manufacturing and sales facilities in North America and manufacturing facility in China, the alliance provides both companies with the resources required to support the global needs of our customers.

[Van Rob of waverly]

Welded Modular Assemblies – IP Reinforcements

Black box designs of complex IP reinforcements are validated and optimized, using sophisticated software and mechanical testing.

Tools Used Processes Used
CAD design
Visi Mock-Up
NVH Analysis using Patran/Hypermesh/LS-Dyna
Crash Simulation using Hypermesh/LS-Dyna
Weight and Weld Optimization using Optistruct
Solid Bedplate Testing
Transfer Technologies
Resistance Welding
MIG Welding
Robotic Fastener Installations
Robotic Vision Technology

[Van Rob of waverly]

Engineered Stampings

Numerous parts can be produced, due to a large spectrum of stamping presses. Tonnage ranges from 100 to 1600 tons with large bed sizes, coil feed using transfer or progressive processes. Our tooling expertise is very extensive and the latest materials are used to optimize weight and costs.

Processes Used
Stamping Transfer Technologies

[Van Rob of waverly]

Technology & Innovation

Technology and Innovation is a way of life at Van-Rob…

Van-Rob has introduced a state-of-the-art servo-mechanical press, where stroke length, stroke curve and speed are optimized. With no off-centre loading, this machine produces high quality parts at optimized speed with reduced tool wear.

Through the use of servo weld guns and proprietary Van-Rob software, real-time feedback of the welding parameters ensures defect-free welds. Resistance spot welding optimization is based on using simulation modelling techniques in conjunction with experimentation. These methodologies have been developed in-house by Van-Rob.

Van-Rob welding engineers have introduced new and innovative systems in the area of MIG welding. The harmonization of robots, weld-power sources and wire feeders has delivered world-class results, such as reduced deformation and improved tolerance both in aluminum and steel.
Van-Rob’s experienced staff of process and industrial engineers develop manufacturing cells in a cross-functional environment following strict APQP functions. Manufacturing cells are optimized for the most efficient use of floor space, containerization, error proofing, inventory and ergonomics.

Van-Rob makes extensive use of laser welding and laser cutting where such applications make economic sense on a volume production basis. Van-Rob Engineers work closely with equipment suppliers to ensure new applications are optimized with respect to new and existing laser technologies

[Van Rob of waverly]

Product Life Cycle Management

Successful launches are the end result of impeccable planning. Through the use of the APQP process, our program management personnel have detailed processes and procedures in place to direct programs.

Cross functionality allows all disciplines in the supply chain to collaborate and make every program a success.

Program Management
Advanced Engineering
Tooling Co-ordination
Quality Engineering
Process Engineering
Packaging Development
Supply-Chain Management
Manufacturing Plant


Our Windsor-based engineering personnel are a conduit between our corporate centre engineering group and our customers. They facilitate speed of communication for engineering changes and quick access to the Detroit prototype market.

Press tools are built to exacting standards developed by Van-Rob. Tooling co-ordinators manage the tool build from concept to full tryout. This group has developed new technologies and standards in the area of lubrication and error proofing.

The Engineering department develops GD&T and innovative fixture designs. The use of statistical tools continuously improves the supply-chain management from concept to production. PPAP documentation and quality guides are electronically available for the supply chain.

The rising cost of transportation is a key cost driver in our business – our packaging department maximizes packaging density and truck routes for cost effectiveness using
CAD tools.

[Van Rob of waverly]

Working at Van-Rob

Van-Rob is a world-class manufacturer of components, systems and assemblies to the automotive industry. We offer employees a number of exciting and rewarding career opportunities in a highly professional work setting, with competitive compensation packages and a full range of company benefits including GRRSP & DPSP for retirement planning.

All new employees of Van-Rob quickly realize that they are part of a team. A good example of this 'Team' concept is the company’s Lean Manufacturing policy which focuses on creating a team-based environment that encourages customer focus, team recognition and continual improvement of operations. It is truly an exciting time to be a member of the Van-Rob team.

[Van Rob of waverly]

Guiding Principles
The Van-Rob Culture
Van-Rob’s success over the years can be attributed to the contribution of our employees – our most valuable asset. We place a great deal of importance on people and nurturing a working environment characterized by mutual respect, and as such our human resources policies are designed around the following principles.
Opportunity
Van-Rob is about opportunity – the opportunity to earn a living with dignity as well as the opportunity for personal growth and advancement. Because of our continuing expansion, we often have new opportunities for people at all levels – from students to highly-skilled individuals. Many of our management personnel have worked their way up to their current positions from other levels within the company. Van-Rob demonstrates its faith in individuals by investing in them. The best possible training is provided to help accelerate career advancement.
Workplace Health & Safety
At Van-Rob, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Efforts are supported by plant health and safety teams through monthly audits and 5S practices to eliminate the chances of injury. Each plant has a fully equipped Health Centre in addition to first aid stations around the floor, and prime shift coverage of all plants is provided by our Occupational Health Nurses and Registered Practical Nurse. The nurses provide health and wellness consulting, and develop and facilitate
programs on our Modified Work Program, Health & Safety in the Workplace, Wellness, Hearing Conservation, and other topics of interest and relevance to our employees.
Recognition
Van-Rob people are recognized for group achievements and personal accomplishments. We honour individuals for dedication and contributions through service awards, attendance awards and profit sharing.
Workplace Values
At Van-Rob mutual respect, personal dignity and communication are the cornerstones of our company values – people of many nationalities and backgrounds work together as a team, celebrating the diversity of our heritage. The atmosphere is one of open, honest communication and information sharing through monthly employee meetings, quarterly leadership forums, communications boards, and the Van-Rob newsletter,'The VOICE'. All are contributing factors to our continuing success.
Effective Communication
We believe in open, honest, two-way communication between management and employees. Communication between our various facilities is also considered essential to the promotion of teamwork. Our 'open door' policy supports co-operative dialogue. We believe that our commitment to conducting employee forums across the various facilities enhances communication. These forums contribute constructively to corporate objectives, so that employees receive information about their responsibilities, about Van-Rob and its environment.
Dignity and Respect
Van-Rob is committed to equal opportunity, including the establishment of a work environment in which all employees have the ability to work and contribute to their maximum potential. In keeping with the spirit of this commitment, and the Human Rights code, Van-Rob does not tolerate any form of harassment. Our policies seek to protect all employees during the course of business, and outside of work where incidents may create repercussions in the work environment, or adversely affect working relationships.
Training
The main reason Van-Rob remains competitive is through improving employees' skills and knowledge. Van-Rob facilitates many training programs including Management Training, Apprenticeship Programs, 5S and Kaizen Workshops, etc. These training programs provide Van-Rob with the necessary skill levels to support the continuous improvement efforts that our customers require to sustain growth and prosperity in the future.
Positive Employee Relations