Case Study

How ZIP 1993 and NMB (MinebeaMitsumi) Unlocked Aerospace Plating Success, Achieving AS9100 & NADCAP

When MinebeaMitsumi (NMB), a global leader in high-precision components, sought a strategic partner in Thailand to elevate their aerospace parts plating, they placed their trust in ZIP METAL WORK (1993) CO., LTD.

This case study details our collaborative journey of investing in a new, dedicated Zinc-Nickel production line and navigating the rigorous demands of AS9100 and NADCAP certification. Fueled by NMB's invaluable cooperation and support, this strategic alliance achieved remarkable results, enabling NMB to significantly reduce inventory while empowering ZIP to enter the demanding aerospace sector.

Our Client

NMB (MinebeaMitsumi) A world-renowned leader in the manufacturing of high-precision electronic and mechatronic components, including critical parts for the aerospace industry.

The Challenge

The core challenge was one of strategic localization. NMB required a highly specialized Zinc-Nickel plating process for its aerospace components, demanding exceptional corrosion resistance and adherence to complex industry specifications.

Previously, NMB faced significant supply chain hurdles:

• Extended Lead Times: The international transport process created significant delays in the production cycle.
• Supply Chain Complexity: This necessitated holding large buffer stocks to mitigate risks associated with shipping delays, complicating inventory management.

The Solution

Our solution was built on two foundational pillars: trust and collaboration.

1. An Investment Built on Mutual Trust Drawing upon a long-standing and trusted relationship, ZIP committed to a major strategic investment: constructing a new, state-of-the-art Zinc-Nickel plating facility from the ground up. This decision was driven by a shared goal: to support NMB's strategic objective of localizing this critical process in Thailand.

2. Conquering Global Standards Through Collaboration Aerospace component plating is not merely about application; it is about mastering the world's most stringent quality standards. ZIP and NMB worked in lockstep to meticulously develop, refine, and implement the quality systems required for certification.

This joint effort was pivotal in successfully securing both:

• AS9100: The international Quality Management System standard for the Aviation, Space, and Defense industry.
• NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program): The highest-level accreditation program for special processes (like plating) in the aerospace industry.

The Results: Mutual Benefits & A Strengthened Partnership

This strategic initiative delivered tangible, significant benefits for both partners.

For NMB:

• ✅ Optimized Inventory & Lead Times: Drastically shorter lead times enabled a more agile, "Just-in-Time" (JIT) manufacturing approach, reducing the need for large buffer stocks.
• ✅ Enhanced Supply Chain Resilience: NMB secured a highly qualified, locally-based AS9100 and NADCAP-certified partner, ensuring rapid support, flexibility, and supply chain security.

For ZIP:

• ✅ A Testament to True Partnership: This project transcended a typical supplier relationship. It solidified our role as a dedicated partner, demonstrating our commitment to investing, innovating, and growing alongside our clients to solve their most complex challenges.
• ✅ Successful Entry into the Aerospace Industry: This achievement marks ZIP's successful expansion into the high-stakes aerospace sector, powered by our proven Zinc-Nickel plating capabilities.