ALL ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS Allison has made a substantial investment in Walker Die Casting, which has been used for infrastructure improvements, added capabilities and expanded available solutions for customers
Following aluminium die-castings supplier Walker Die Casting’s acquisition by automatic transmissions manufacturer Allison Transmission, over sixty years of know-how and substantial infrastructure improvements have already resulted in considerable benefits for customers.
“Since being acquired by Allison Transmission in 2019, Walker Die Casting has embarked upon a multifaceted improvement programme to build upon an already rich history and continue providing innovative aluminium die-casting solutions well into the future.”
Allison has made a substantial investment in Walker Die Casting, which has been used for infrastructure improvements, added capabilities and expanded available solutions for customers through about 800 000 ft2 of manufacturing space.
Such capability improvements include seven new machining centres with full turnkey automation, a 1 600 t die-cast machine, as well as a 1 800 t die-cast machine. Also, ISO 14001 certification was achieved in February 2020.
ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system. It provides a framework that an organisation can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements.
Walker Die Casting now has 38 horizontal high-pressure die-cast machines ranging from 1 000 t to 4 500 t of clamping force, which enabled the shipment of about 40-million pounds of aluminium castings in 2020.
These castings were manufactured from 100% recycled aluminium. In addition to Allison Transmission, top customers include leading original-equipment manufacturers within the commercial vehicle, construction equipment, consumer vehicle, marine, motorcycle and defence markets.
The company adds that Walker Die Casting has earned a reputation for innovative solutions and for delivering premium castings for the most complex and difficult casting designs.
Additionally, the company works directly with customers to convert components manufactured through sand casting and other casting processes into aluminium high-pressure die-castings, which results in reduced vehicle weight, tighter tolerances, more usable features and less machining.
The use of high-pressure aluminium die-casting often results in a lower price a piece for the customer over sand and other casting processes.
Casting simulation technology coupled with extensive experience yields a high integrity casting that can withstand repeated operational cycles with various attachments anchored to the case, resulting in better quality, longer life and reduced cost.
“I am proud of every one of our employees for embracing the opportunities afforded to Walker as a result of the acquisition and investment by Allison Transmission. Their hard work and dedication have positioned Walker as a preferred casting partner, providing exceptional customer value through the use of innovation, experience, integrity and the relentless pursuit of operational excellence,” concludes Allison Transmission operations and purchasing senior VP Michael Dick.