Yanfeng Mexico improves automotive cutting efficiency with Vector Automotive iP9

Yanfeng’s interior components manufacturing site in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, plays a strategic role within the company’s global production network and is a key pillar of its North American operations. The plant supports major automotive OEM programs, including Tesla, Mazda, Toyota, and BMW, and operates in a highly competitive environment where quality, cost control, and sustainability are critical performance drivers.

Like many automotive manufacturers, the site faces increasing pressure to deliver high cutting precision and consistent quality while controlling costs in the context of rising material prices. At the same time, Yanfeng is committed to reducing waste and improving resource efficiency to support its sustainability objectives.

Before upgrading its cutting equipment, the plant was already focused on improving cutting room performance but encountered limitations related to cutting speed, gap reduction, and material optimization. In addition, Yanfeng needed a solution capable of supporting future challenges, including higher production volumes, stricter OEM requirements, and a gradual transition toward Industry 4.0 manufacturing practices.

To address these challenges, Yanfeng sought an advanced automotive cutting solution that could deliver measurable efficiency gains while integrating smoothly into its existing production environment.

Yanfeng’s decision to partner with Lectra was driven by trust, proven performance, and a shared long‑term vision. Prior to investing in new cutting equipment, the Ramos Arizpe plant had been using Lectra’s nesting software for many years, building strong confidence in Lectra’s expertise, reliability, and deep understanding of automotive manufacturing constraints.

This long‑standing relationship played a decisive role in the selection of Vector Automotive iP9, as Yanfeng was looking not only for high‑performance technology, but also for a partner capable of providing responsive support and continuous innovation.

Key factors behind Yanfeng’s choice included:

• Proven cutting performance in demanding automotive environments
• Reduced cutting gaps, directly supporting material savings
• Scalability to support production growth
• Strong implementation and support services, ensuring operational continuity

Since implementing Vector Automotive iP9, the plant has achieved tangible and measurable results. Cutting operations now run with an average of 20 cutting layers and achieve a cutting gap of less than 1 millimeter, significantly improving material utilization.

Process optimization enabled by the new solution has also allowed the site to reduce operating time from 22 hours per day to 20 hours per day, improving efficiency without impacting output. These results contribute directly to cost control, sustainability goals, and long‑term operational resilience, while creating a solid foundation for future Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Vector Automotive iP9 is a high‑performance automotive cutting solution specifically designed for the requirements of interior components manufacturing. At the Ramos Arizpe plant, it plays a central role in streamlining cutting room operations while ensuring consistent quality and productivity.

The solution delivers:

• High cutting speed, supporting demanding production schedules
• Exceptional cutting precision, essential for automotive interior components
• Reduced cutting gaps, maximizing material utilization
• Stable, repeatable performance, even in multi‑layer cutting configurations

During the initial implementation phase, one of the key challenges was fully leveraging the advanced capabilities of Vector Automotive iP9 while minimizing cutting gaps. Through close collaboration between Yanfeng and Lectra teams, cutting parameters and processes were progressively optimized, allowing the plant to reach stable and efficient operating conditions.

Beyond core cutting performance, Yanfeng benefits from Lectra’s commitment to continuous innovation. Recent enhancements to Vector Automotive iP9 include pressure‑monitoring sensors, which improve efficiency while reducing equipment wear, as well as upgrades to the compressor ventilation system, further enhancing overall reliability. These continuous improvements ensure that the solution evolves alongside Yanfeng’s production needs.

Throughout implementation and day‑to‑day operations, Lectra has provided responsive technical support and ongoing maintenance, which Yanfeng considers a key success factor in ensuring reliable performance and long‑term value.