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Welcome to the Feature Series for Australian Manufacturing, where each month we’ll shine the focus on one particular Australian manufacturer and breakdown what really gives them the competitive advantage, in an otherwise difficult sector.
This month, it’s all about ATE Tankers, the Australian Engineering and Manufacturing firm, dedicated to delivering end-to-end Road Tanker solutions.
The company was established in 1999 as a manufacturer of Fuel Road Tankers for the transportation of dangerous goods.
Since then, the company has grown and has added a range of manufactured products, road tankers and other specialist engineering advisory services.
ATE Tankers has a dedicated, purpose built and modern facility in Melbourne with dedicated workspaces for each stage-gate of manufacturing. The company plans to expand and double the size of the factory.
This week we will focus on technology, namely how ATE Tankers uses technology in its facility and how technology gives the company a competitive edge.
Digital technology is at the core of ATE Tankers’ innovative mindset.
“At ATE we never stop being creative and take nothing for granted when looking at customer requirements. We use technology extensively to collaborate with clients in developing highly customised, purpose build designs which, are brought to life in 3D,” the company states.
ATE builds virtual, complete tanker assemblies in SolidWorks (an engineering 3D modelling tool). Parametric modelling is often used to quickly meet a customer’s needs with complete BOM’s generated – all small items such as fittings, washers and bolts are included (which are typically omitted in 2D modelling tools).
“Production drawings are much easier to understand for the workshop floor staff with exploded 3D views,” the company states.
ATE’s strategy is to connect the shop-floor to business operations and leverage web-based, integrated software to measure performance and metrics.
“Our 3D design process is integral to the way do business. It enables us to engage with the customer throughout the development of their tanker and to tune the design as their vision takes shape,” the company states.
State-of-the-art equipment and commitment to customers helps ATE Tankers manufacture the best road tankers built to the highest standards.
