Draft:Valiant TMS

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  • Comment: Press releases and anything emanating from the company are primary sources and blogs are generally not reliable sources. Trade publications are at best weak sources because they generally exists to promote an industry. Other sources are routine announcements/coverage so considered trivial. Also, much of the content is unsourced and this is written in a promotional manner. S0091 (talk) 18:08, 4 March 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: Wikipedia articles require independent secondary sources with in depth coverage of the subjects. Too many of these sources are primary sources, these need to be removed. Stuartyeates (talk) 04:21, 3 November 2023 (UTC)

Valiant Machine & Tool Inc.
Company typePrivate
IndustryAutomation
FoundedSeptember 1959; 64 years ago (1959-09) in Windsor, Ontario, Canada
FounderMichael G. Solcz
Headquarters
Windsor
,
Canada
Key people
Number of employees
1500 (2023)
Divisions
Websitehttps://www.valianttms.com/

Valiant TMS is a Canadian-based company that designs, builds, and integrates industrial automation solutions.[1]. It specializes in welding and joining, automated assembly and test, industrial parts washers, final assembly, and material handling systems[2]. The company offers services catering to various industries, including automotive, commercial trucks, aerospace, heavy equipment, energy, and more[3].

History[edit]

1959 – 1963: Valiant formation and early years[edit]

The company was founded in 1959 as Avco Tool & Die by Michael G. Solcz [4] in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

In 1963, the company name was changed to Valiant Machine & Tool Inc., inspired by the Plymouth Valiant automobile Chrysler Corporation introduced to the market during that time.

1965 – 1972: Diversification and establishment of subsidiaries[edit]

In 1965, Valco Manufacturing, a Valiant subsidiary, was established in response to an increased demand for material handling systems which required significant steel fabrication and machining services.

In 1972, Valiant Tool & Mold Inc. was formed, specializing in designing and manufacturing plastic injection tooling.

Valiant continued diversifying its services by developing a controls engineering department focusing on electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic system design and integration. The company’s client portfolio expanded to include agricultural, pharmaceutical, and aircraft companies. The automotive industry remained the company’s backbone.

1984 – early 90s: TMS formation[edit]

TMS Transport -und Montagesysteme GmbH was founded in Linz, Austria, in 1984 by ÖIAG (Österreichische Staatsindustrie) from the Voest Alpine Maschinenbau Integrated Systems division.

In 1987, Valiant expanded its Welding and Assembly group into Troy, Michigan, USA, establishing Valiant International, Inc., an advanced technology center to strengthen its engineering capabilities.

In 1994, TMS established its new headquarters in Linz, Austria.

1996 – 2007: Valiant’s global growth and acquisition of TMS, forming Valiant TMS[edit]

In 1996, Valiant expanded its footprint in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, by acquiring Global IEM, a custom tool and fixture manufacturer and R&R Tool & Mold, which grew its market share in the local plastic injection tooling sector.

In 1998, the company added closure hemming expertise to its core competencies by acquiring 100% of E.R. St. Denis Inc. in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, a reputable hemming and metal-forming equipment supplier.

In late 2004, Valiant decided to diversify into industries such as aerospace, construction, and forestry[5].

In 2006, Valiant acquired TMS Transport -und Montagesysteme GmbH based in Linz, Austria[6], a company with which Valiant shared many synergies.

In early 2006, Valiant TMS was contracted to design, build, and integrate five semi-automated tail support stands for the rear-loading 747-400 LCF plane, later named the Boeing Dreamlifter. This project would lead to Valiant being recognized with several Boeing Performance Excellence Awards[7] and the Boeing Supplier of the Year Award in 2007[8].

In February 2007, Valiant Tool & Gage Inc. was formed in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, by consolidating Valiant tool room employees and Global IEM employees.

In March 2007, TMS Czech S.R.O. was founded in Olomouc, Czech Republic, when TMS acquired A.B.S. Engineering Spol. S.R.O.

2009 – Present: Complete global technology integration and a focus on Industry 4.0[edit]

In 2009, Valiant TMS Systems Pvt. Ltd. was established in Pune, India.

In 2010, Valiant TMS Ro S.R.L. and Valiant TMS GmbH were established in Romania[9] and Germany, respectively.

In 2011, Valiant de Mexico S de RL de CV was established in Queretaro, Mexico[10].

In 2013, Valiant TMS S.L. was established in Barcelona, Spain. TMS Czech S.R.O. was later renamed Valiant TMS Czech S.R.O.

In 2016, Valiant TMS acquired a 187,000-square-foot facility at 2469 Executive Hills Drive in Auburn Hills, Michigan, to expand its US operations and add manufacturing space. Valiant TMS Polska SP. Z O.O. was founded in Gliwice, Poland.

In 2017, the company was acquired by a Chinese consortium[11][12]

In 2020, Valiant TMS sold certain assets of its Tool & Mold division to Concours Mold Inc.[13] to concentrate on its core business of designing and integrating industrial automation systems.

Technologies, products, and services[edit]

Valiant TMS is a full-service supplier of a wide range of manufacturing solutions for numerous industries[14]. Services include process engineering, mechanical engineering, controls engineering, simulation, fabrication and machining, tool assembly and integration, robot and PLC programming, commissioning, technical documentation, and project management.

Welding and joining technologies at Valiant TMS
Welding and joining technologies at Valiant TMS

Welding and Joining Systems: Valiant TMS specializes in building automotive body-in-white assembly systems that integrate joining technologies for various materials[15]. The company provides turnkey solutions, including robot integration, tooling, fixtures, ancillary equipment, conveyors, and material handling systems. Valiant TMS is a leading provider of automated closure installation (closure hang) systems that attach doors, hoods, fenders, trunk lids, tailgates, and liftgates to the vehicle body.

Hemming systems at Valiant TMS
Hemming systems at Valiant TMS

Hemming Systems: The company has decades of experience in automated hemming. It specializes in developing hem processes, building hemming equipment such as robotic roller hemming systems and press hemming dies, and providing vertical integration and dimensional management services.

Automation and assembly systems at Valiant TMS
Automation and assembly systems at Valiant TMS

Automation, Assembly, and Test Systems: Valiant TMS builds automated solutions for assembly, cleaning, and testing propulsion systems and components used in aircraft, automobiles, commercial trucks, and heavy equipment. The company provides turnkey automated assembly systems, industrial parts washers, leak test equipment, and material handling automation.

Final assembly and conveyor systems at Valiant TMS
Final assembly and conveyor systems at Valiant TMS

Final Assembly and Conveyor Systems: Valiant TMS designs, builds, and integrates final assembly and conveyor systems that are integrated into general assembly areas, primarily at automotive OEM factories. Solutions include semi-automated and fully automated alignment, fastening, gluing, and body-to-chassis marriage stations.

Aerospace assembly systems at Valiant TMS
Aerospace assembly systems at Valiant TMS

Aerospace Assembly Systems & Tools: The company builds automated assembly systems and specialty equipment specifically designed for the aerospace industry. Solutions include assembly tooling, fixtures, mobile work platforms, and ground support equipment.

Tools, jigs, fixtures and gages at Valiant TMS
Tools, jigs, fixtures and gages at Valiant TMS

Tools, Jigs, Fixtures, and Gages: Valiant TMS develops specialty-crafted custom tools and equipment, including checking fixtures and gages, process holding fixtures, and test stands.

Custom fabrication at Valco Manufacturing Inc.
Custom fabrication at Valco Manufacturing Inc.

Fabrication, Heavy Machining, Painting, and Finishing: Valco Manufacturing Inc., a Valiant TMS subsidiary, offers custom and low-volume production components for heavy industry companies, specializing in fabrication, machining, metrology, and finishing services.

Additive Manufacturing lab at Valiant TMS
Additive Manufacturing lab at Valiant TMS

Additive Manufacturing: Valiant TMS provides 3D printing in stainless steel and a variety of thermoplastics[16]. Its additive manufacturing lab is also used to print and optimize production parts, jigs, fixtures, factory tooling, and functional prototypes.

Industry 4.0 Technologies: Valiant TMS offers new technology integration, such as augmented reality[17], Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, collaborative robots, and virtual commissioning.

Awards & Certifications[edit]

[18]

  • Boeing Performance Excellence Award[7]
  • Boeing Supplier of the Year[8]
  • Boeing Long-Term Preferred Tooling Supplier
  • BMW Supplier Award
  • Caterpillar 7 Steps to Welding Excellence
  • DaimlerChrysler Supplier Award
  • Ford World Excellence Award
  • Ford Q1 Award
  • General Motors Supplier of the Year[19]
  • Honda Cars India, Certificate of Excellence
  • Honda Cars India, Best Supplier Award
  • John Deere Partner Supplier
  • Porsche Supplier Award
  • Stellantis Chrysler Gold Award
  • Stellantis Quality Excellence Award
  • Toyota Kirloskar Motor India, Certificate of Appreciation
  • Volkswagen Group Award[20]
  • Yves Landry Award of Excellence, Company of the Year
  • Canadian Manufacturing Hall of Fame, Essence of Philanthropy Award

Certifications[edit]

[21]

  • ISO 9001:2015
  • AS 9100 Rev. D
  • ISO 14001:2015
  • ISO 45001:2018
  • ISO / IEC 27001
  • TISAX
  • TSSA
  • VDA 6.4:2017

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Making Customers More Agile and Flexible with the Right 3D Printing Solution". BASF. 6 November 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Valiant TMS and Realtime Robotics Partner to Reduce a Customer's Cycle Time by 17% and Cut Programming Time in Half". Business Wire. January 8, 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Omron announces Valiant TMS as Certified Systems Integrator partner". PR Newswire. March 1, 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  4. ^ Keenan, Greg (October 20, 2016). "Chinese group makes key acquisition in manufacturing". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  5. ^ Keenan, Greg (October 28, 2009). "Auto parts makers target new markets". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  6. ^ "Valiant Group Of Companies To Be Acquired By A Chinese Consortium". windsoriteDOTca. October 20, 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  7. ^ a b "2009 Boeing Performance Excellence Award Recipients". Boeing. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Boeing Honors 11 Suppliers With Top Performance Award". Boeing. April 17, 2008. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  9. ^ "New Facility in Oradea, Romania". Valiant TMS. September 23, 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  10. ^ "Valiant TMS Acquires New Facility in Querétaro, Mexico to Support Growth". Valiant TMS. March 23, 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  11. ^ "APMA praises Chinese purchase of Valiant TMS Group". CBC. October 20, 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  12. ^ "Valiant TMS Group sold to Chinese consortium". CTV Windsor. October 20, 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  13. ^ Waddell, Dave (February 24, 2021). "Concours buys AIS to form largest tool/mold firm in North America". Windsor Star.
  14. ^ Gallagher, Kelly (October 28, 2023). "Valiant TMS Leverages Siemens Tecnomatix Software for Simulation and Validation of Digital Production Lines [VIDEO]". Siemens. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  15. ^ Wilhelm, Trevor (March 6, 2019). "Students get a taste of the skilled trades during Test Drive Day". Windsor Star. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Valiant TMS Keeps Pace with Customer Needs with Origin One". Stratasys. April 25, 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  17. ^ "Valiant TMS Collaborative Design Review Using TheoremXR and Microsoft HoloLens Valiant TMS Merged Reality Concept". Theorem Solutions.
  18. ^ "Valiant TMS Awards and Recognition". Valiant TMS. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  19. ^ Brown, Tim (March 16, 2016). "GM Supplier of the Year awards recognize 110 world-class suppliers". The Manufacturer. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  20. ^ "Volkswagen Group honors its best suppliers Group Award 2014: 18 top partners honored Wi". Automotive World. June 19, 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  21. ^ "Valiant TMS Certifications". Valiant TMS. Retrieved 25 July 2023.