Finn-Power Swaging Machines Help
“Push the Limits” at Goodridge

   Success in the motor sports industry depends upon companies that provide accurate, high-precision components that can safely push the limits on the racetrack. Since 1971, such Goodridge products as hose, fittings, brake lines, clutch lines, and fuel and oil line kits have made their mark in such racing venues as F1, CART, Champ Car, ILR, World Rally, and NASCAR.

   Goodridge was established in the UK in 1971. Today, the company has two facilities in the UK and others in France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Japan. In addition, it has four facilities in the U.S. - Torrance, CA; Indianapolis, IN; Mooresville, NC; and Detroit, MI.

   The company has also expanded its product range to include both racing products as well as products sold to retail customers through distribution. To underscore the quality that goes into the Goodridge products, the company gives a lifetime guarantee with their purchase.

   One of the expanded markets was an original equipment contract with an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) manufacturer. The production for this contract was to be manufactured in the Goodridge facility in Torrance, CA. According to Jamie Ramsden, production manager for Goodridge’s Torrance facility, the contract called for 20,000-25,000 brake assemblies per week. “We began to look for a high-performance swaging machine with low maintenance and very fast cycle time,” explains Ramsden. “Cycle time was really the major objective, because our existing older models were a little slow and a bit difficult to use.”

“If a brake line is not crimped correctly, it is a life or death situation. We have built our reputation on giving our customers 100% quality. The Finn-Power swaging machines give us that comfort level.”

   After a great deal of searching, Goodridge selected the Finn-Power CC22 high-speed production swager. The CC22 is a high-speed and efficient machine offering a variety of features and benefits including a versatile control system, a unique design which allows a variety of applications, and flexible changeover from serial to single-piece production.

   “The reason we chose the Finn-Power CC22 was the fast overall cycle time,” says Ramsden. We purchased five of the CC22 machines to use specifically for the ATV contract. The cycle time to two to three times faster than our older machines. Each machine produces between 1,500-2,000 crimps per day. We calibrate the machines on a daily basis. It is very clear that without the Finn-Power swagers, we would not have been able to maintain this ATV contract. For Goodridge, the swagers have been a fundamental part of our success.”

   Designed for fittings up to 1-1/4", the Finn-Power CC22 has a crimping range up to 54 mm and 68 tons of crimping force. They have been very well received by Goodridge. “We were so impressed with the original five Finn-Power swagers that we bought for the ATV contract that we purchased another five machines for our regular production of brake lines,” says Ramsden. Goodridge also purchased two CC22’s for its Indianapolis facility and two for the Moorseville plant. “The machines really lend themselves to high-volume production. They are fundamental to our continued future success.”

“It is very clear that without the Finn-Power swagers, we would not have been able to maintain this ATV contract. For Goodridge, the swagers have been a fundamental part of our success.”

   After crimping, Goodridge pressure tests the brake lines. The retail line is also DOT approved. “With brake lines, there are so many things that can go wrong,” concludes Ramsden. We design the tails of the fittings and the colors specifically not to give us any problems. Even so, if you cannot rely on the swaging machine…you have the potential for major problems. If the brake line is not crimped correctly, it is a life or death situation. We have built our reputation on giving our customers 100% quality. The Finn-Power swaging machines give us that comfort level.”

710 Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173 USA
Phone: (847) 885 3200
Fax: (847) 885 9692
www.finnpower.com

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