How internal capacity in automotive projects accelerates deadlines
How internal capacity in automotive projects accelerates deadlines
In the automotive sector, time-to-market has become one of the biggest challenges for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and Tier 1 suppliers. Markets are increasingly volatile, investments change direction quickly, and launch cycles are getting shorter every year. In this context, manufacturers are working under increasing pressure: they need to develop new products, industrialize them, and put them into production in record time, without compromising quality or reliability. In this scenario, having internal capacity for automotive projects has become a decisive factor in maintaining competitiveness and ensuring on-time delivery.
But accelerating does not mean running faster, but rather eliminating friction at every stage of the project. And that can only be achieved when the entire process, from engineering to plant commissioning, relies on solid internal capabilities.
What does “internal capacity” really mean for a special machine manufacturer?
At Mondragon Assembly, we have been developing automation solutions and assembly lines for almost 50 years, and during this time we have strengthened our internal capacity in automotive projects at all stages. From defining specifications together with the customer to delivery and support at their factory.
That is why, when we talk about internal capacity, we are not just referring to having our own equipment. We are talking about a highly integrated model, which is key to reducing deadlines in the automotive industry and avoiding delays in industrial projects, combining:
- Internal mechanical and electrical engineering
- In-house manufacturing, pre-assembly, and assembly equipment
- Global capacity: 7 subsidiaries with international management for global projects
- Specialists in software, artificial vision, and production traceability
- Laboratory and test benches for internal validations
- Project management with audited quality and control tools
- Standardized methodologies and multidisciplinary teams
This level of integration reduces uncertainty, improves coordination, and ensures that all phases progress in parallel. It is one of the distinguishing factors when OEMs and Tier 1s seek a manufacturer with global capabilities and a focus on deadlines.
How internal capacity shortens deadlines at each stage of the project
As an engineering company specializing in projects, Mondragon Assembly has departments that standardize processes and methodologies for all phases. By executing each stage internally, external dependency is reduced, bottlenecks are eliminated, and complete traceability of progress is ensured. This way of working, based on internal capacity in automotive projects consolidated over decades, allows real control to be maintained over each development milestone.
This “internal muscle” translates into:
- Greater overall project efficiency
- Reduced automotive lead times
- Audited quality at all stages
- Less exposure to external delays
Overall, this results in more agile, robust projects with less risk for OEMs and Tier 1s seeking reliable and flexible industrial automation.
Direct benefits for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
A fully integrated structure offers clear and measurable advantages for automotive manufacturers:
- Reduction in total project duration
- More reliable compliance with milestones and SOP dates
- Lower risk of technical or quality deviations
- Greater predictability in costs and performance
- Flexibility in the event of changes in specifications or requirements
- Faster validations and approvals
- Support in prototype manufacturing
- Integrated MES for real-time process and product control, reducing PaP and accelerating production start-up
- Service department specialized in incorporating new references
These advantages fit directly with what manufacturers are looking for, prioritizing how to avoid delays in industrial projects and guarantee on-time deliveries.
Case study: a typical project accelerated thanks to internal capacity
The challenge
- Develop an automatic machine for the assembly and control of an automotive product with traceability requirements.
- Delivery time: 5 months
- Start of production: 3 shifts, 24/7
The solution
Thanks to internal capacity in automotive projects, control was maintained “on time” throughout all phases. The group’s global strength was also leveraged to work in parallel on different stages, further reducing deadlines. Support during the start of production was key to the final success.
Key factors that enabled us to meet and accelerate the deadline
- Engineering coordinated with mechanical and electrical standardization
- Standardized software aligned with customer standards
- Internal assembly with parallel workflows
- Reduced purchasing costs thanks to global agreements with suppliers
- Proven references for multiple similar solutions
Results
The customer started production within the required timeframe, with a machine that was stable from day one and perfectly integrated into their quality system.
Internal capacity not only provides efficiency: it provides security.
In an industry where every week counts and reliability is critical, having our own teams involved in every phase of the project is a key differentiator.
At Mondragon Assembly, we combine:
- Real internal capacity
- References accumulated over nearly 50 years of experience
- Global presence and international management
The result is more agile, more robust projects that are aligned with the most demanding standards in the sector.
Your trusted partner in deadlines and automation
If you need a partner who can guarantee deadlines and support you in your automation challenges, we are ready to help. Write to us.