A method of producing a composite component (10) that includes both a structural insert (12) and a plastic casing (14). According to an exemplary embodiment, the method uses a closed- loop control system and includes the following steps: evaluating the structural insert (12) for various attributes, placing the structural insert (12) in a mold cavity (62), adjusting the position and/or orientation of the structural insert (12) with respect to the mold cavity (62) based on, among other things, the evaluated attributes, and injecting molten material into the mold cavity (62) so that it at least partially surrounds the structural insert (12).