MCI Memory Control Unit
MCI (Mirror Controls International) is the world leader in car and truck mirror actuators. The company has plants in the Netherlands, Ireland and Mexico. MCI has purchased a range of turned and sintered components, PCBAs and coils through Swildens for some time.
Some mirror systems feature a Memory Control Unit (MCU) to measure and store the mirror position. In response to the rising production volumes, the design was optimised for fully automatic assembly with a volume of over one million units per year. As part of the project, MCI made a significant investment in the supplier's production line.
Swildens was actively involved in a Value Analysis/Value Engineering project to reduce cost significantly. Analysis of all 17 MCU components resulted in several options to reduce costs while maintaining quality. The improvements included the use of a different type of connector and a different material for the resistive track of the position sensor.
The new MCU design has proven to be very successful in an expanding market. A second line with a capacity of several million units per year has now been set up at another Swildens supplier.
