From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Cost reduction and manufacturing improvements for Phantom II springs with supplier Firth's.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 16\7\ Scan210 | |
| Date | 7th December 1929 | |
| TO FROM WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Copy to EH. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EW. x7410. Worl/T.7.12.29. PHANTOM 2 SPRINGS. Replying to your Rl/M26.11.29, a brief statement of our efforts may be useful on this subject. As long ago as May 1926 it was necessary to investigate the methods of layout of Firth's plant for making springs. We decided to investigate on the spot all their methods and their operations, with a view to better work and reduced costs. We insisted with these people that cost should decrease and quality increase. We supplied expert people to go through every operation with them in their own factory, selected machines for them and made jigs and tools, planned and timed every operation, insisted that all their workpeople should be put on bonus; in short, continuously worked with them in their own factory, with the result that on the old 20 we reduced the cost £5.15.0 per set, and on Phantom I £7.0.0. per set, and produced better springs. The above procedure has been carried out on Phantom 2. We have been entirely responsible for their methods for making Phantom 2 Springs, and our investigation and help has reduced the cost on Phantom 2 since the introduction of this chassis, roughly £6.0.0. per set. Still the cost shows a definite increase over the Phantom I type, but we are still working hard to further reduce the cost. Personally I have consistently worked on this job, and it should also be stated that Firths have allowed us to do anything that we have wished in the matter, even our own accountant has gone through every item of Establishment Charge and Cost, and Firth's books have been open to us at all times. Grinding and Plating is only a small cost, and HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}, EY. and all our experts consider these operations important in avoiding rust and generally getting a better spring, both in appearance and long life. There is possibly much we can still do to get costs down without sacrificing quality. Two items of heavy cost are the forged eye and the spring clips, and now you have agreed to a rolled eye at one end and a simpler clip, it will considerably help. contd; | ||