Loosen your load...a 2009 resolution

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Time to look into improving things for 2009. Since August of 2004 XACT has worked to improve the longevity of equipment in multiple applications. Starting with Pork Processing and Bakeries, we have worked to reduce current loads, the need to remove shackles daily, chain life, and cleanliness. Moving into Beef processing we helped cut back on gearbox loads and damages caused by lack of lubrication and improper alignment. We then focused on low temperature applications such as Spiral Freezers and bull chain lubrication. We have done multiple Case Packers and Thermoforming applications. We assisted with the occasional Steel Mill, Saw Mill, and other Industrial Applications.
In conjunction with JAX sales team and marketing we promoted the Lube-Guard program and assisted in bulk containment and intermediate tranfer systems. We've assisted in consolidation of lubricants. Recently we did a Further Process application for a large number of auto greased bearings. We have done a significant amount with process controls and bridging communication from autolube to existing PLC networks. We are experimenting with GSM trouble alerts and analog data logging with printable reports in conjunction with cost savings and maintenance.
We are very excited about the solutions we have created and those we are currently working to create. XACT is going to take a month or two to revamp our marketing literature and website. We've done a significant amount in the Vegetable Processing world and have not had time to update our literature. The good news is that in the essentially down economy, we have worked to save our clients millions of dollars (collectively). If you have plans to run lean for 2009 and want to lighten the load of your Mechanical Workforce, give us a call. We will assist in any way possible to reduce manual labor in lubrication and reduce wear in your assets.

Sincerely,

Shaun M Beauchamp
Director of Operations

Are your chains STEELing your profits?

Recently XACT has worked with several steel mills to supply cooling bed lubrication packages for production. In conjunction with the JAX Magna-Plate 200M (MP200M) we have successfully implemented yet another cost saving solution. Focused specifically for cooling beds and large conveyor chains with elevated temperature and high load carrying, our new system will appear in next month's marketing literature under Industrial Solutions. We are preparing to add a few new solutions to the website and some of the tabs will be reorganized to better assist clients with navigation. Look for cost savings in chain life extension, reduced maintenance, and reduced labor.

Cost has nothing to do with price

Understandably, we look at price when we make purchase decisions. Many consumers get hung up on price and never truly look at cost. Cost is what drives your bottom line and unless you're willing to look away from price, it's going to cost you.

The lube industry is a lot like the fuel market. Yes, the price for a gallon of premium lubricant or fuel may be higher, but when you factor in useful life and cost effectiveness, it actually costs you less to use premium fluids.

Xact is focused on stretching each ounce of fluid to the fullest extent of the useful life. Our micro-dosing fluid dispensing systems combined with smart logic allows for the most effective use of lubrication, regardless of price.

If a gallon of premium fluid is twice the price of an inferior "cross-over" yet the fluid has a four-time useful life, then it is cost effective at the higher price.

Think of it as you would fuel mileage. You plan a thousand mile trip with your family. Mid-grade fuels give you 25 mpg in your family sedan and premium fuels give you 29 mpg. When you drive, you consume less of the premium fuel. If the difference in mileage is greater than the difference in price, that makes it cost effective to buy the higher priced premium.

All we are saying is that so many companies have purchasing habits based on price per gallon and lose out on the bottom line by neglecting to look at costs. Seems like a really basic economic principle, but one that has illuded the lubrication industry for decades. Now is the time to look up from the price sheets and make some headway on operational costs and cost savings. Send us an e-mail, and we can educate you on many ways to start saving despite the recent price increases.

The month for independence

Well, The United States is attempting to celebrate our independence for yet another year. Unfortunately, due to our great dependence on foreign goods, specifically oil, it wasn't in the budget this year. Many reserved their travels and many American past-times were limited to a fraction of their normal jubilance.

Appears that we need to fight for our independence once again. We need to combat the excessive use of lubricants and wasteful spending associated with poor lubrication practices. With the raising prices of crude oil and finished goods, we need to spend and apply more wisely.

Xact has helped companies save up to $600,000.00 per year in maintenance costs alone. When you add in downtime, shipping charges for expediting, lost customer confidence and other things associated with lost uptime, that number becomes staggering. We're not saying everyone will save six figures simply by calling us, but many companies were surprised by the savings that occur within 6 months of organizing and effectively implementing some simple proven lubrication practices.

If you have time and a budget to make the phone call, we'll make sure you are pleasantly surprised by the results. Give our offices a call to see how we can begin to assist you in establishing your independence. Ph: 262-781-6500

Expanding our services through technical training

As of late Xact has been technically training the JAX salespersons to assist in on-site surveys of plant equipment needs. Most recently JAX has expanded the technical base in PA. Mr. Bruce Wolfe has been on-site in Menomonee Falls, WI for training and has now returned to PA. For assistance with lubricants and lubrication equipment in Hershey, PA or the surrounding areas, please contact Bruce Wolfe via
e-mail: bwolfe@jax.com

Making your worst problem your last thought is easy

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with a client whom has implemented several Xact Fluid Solutions over the past few years. As a courtesy I popped in to check on a recent install. While on-site I ran through some of the system details with a new manager. The trip was quick, everyone was pleased, but that was not the best part.
The best part was discussing an application that was very problematic a year ago. I had inquired on the status of the system and whether we should revisit our installation to ensure proper operation. The response was amazing! The client actually said that the application isn't even on the list of things to worry about anymore.
After seemingly being the root of all evil, the combination of JAX lubricant and the Xact Fluid Solution seems to have made any maintenance on this particular application a back-burner topic.
That was enough to keep us excited and now we are looking into other areas of the plant to remove maintenance concerns. With the saved costs on labor and replacement parts from the previously solved application, we can now use a fraction of the saved revenues to more than pay for the next improvement.
Now if that doesn't make purchasing, engineering, and production happy, what will?

Growing Demand in a Shrinking Market

As expected, the demand for automated lubrication practices is ever increasing. Although the economy is in a crunch and many manufacturers seek to cut overall expenses, automated lube solutions are growing. The reason autolube solutions have gained popularity of late is LOWER OPERATIONAL COSTS.

There was a whole book of stories written about a man who tried to get his ideas across and for years everyone laughed at him, mocked him, belittled him. He kept to his beliefs and tried to convince those around him that the words he spoke had some meaning. As I sit here in my hotel room, looking at this book (conveniently provided) I find it ironic.

Faith is believing without seeing. We're not interested in your faith. We simply want you to see for yourself what Xact can do to lower your plant operational costs. Then it's not believing, but rather knowing how your future can improve with Xact as a solution provider.