Partner Content
Six Ways Capital Equipment Suppliers Can Support Metal Formers

June 12, 2020


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During economic crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to lean on capital equipment suppliers that provide more than just standalone presses.

The Problem:

Price PerformanceManpower will be diminished during economic downturns (layoffs, furloughs, etc.), so capital equipment suppliers need to be able to provide the technical expertise to keep their customer’s equipment operational in the interim. 

The Solution:

1. Equipment serviceability and spare parts inventory

Metal formers must work with capital equipment suppliers that can fulfill their service needs with a sound service infrastructure and spare parts inventory. 

2. Strategic partnerships with suppliers

Forming strategic partnerships with suppliers is imperative to maintain or increase profitability during economic downturns. Relationships are important—that goes without saying—but metal formers often seek out suppliers based solely on price alone. The goal should be to find a supplier who can provide the best overall value for your capital investment. Finding a press manufacturer, like SIMPAC, that has 100 percent control of the production process from start to finish, can provide you with that “leg up” on the competition as you limit outsourcing and save on time and costs.

3. Immediate accessibility

While 24/7, around-the-clock service may not always be realistic, that doesn’t mean that metal formers shouldn’t expect a response as to how the supplier can help ASAP. Suppliers can provide this support easily by simply being accessible to metal formers—e.g. contacting customers daily/weekly, providing a support center, or working together with service organizations. 

According to Stephan Robertson, General Manager/VP Sales & Operations at SIMPAC America Co. Ltd., “This is why SIMPAC has prioritized the current development in place with D&S Machine Repair out of Hastings, MI. We recognize that customers must have immediate access to critical spare parts.”

4. Price | performance ratio

Don’t sell yourself short by purchasing based on only price or performance. Look for capital equipment suppliers that can offer a fine balance – regardless if you are interested in used or new machinery. For example, SIMPAC achieves its renowned price/performance ratio by combining German engineering with Korean efficiency. This combination appeals to many on a global scale because metal formers become emotionally attached to brands based on price, quick turnaround, or high-tech advancements. Eliminating that “either-or” provides options that metal formers need, and suppliers have to start broadening their support in this area if they hope to maintain a solid level of trust between brand and consumer. 

Simpac service5. Quick delivery

Quick delivery is a huge benefit that capital equipment suppliers can provide for metal formers. The trick is finding suppliers that possess a controlled production process, exclusive industry connections, and a strong logistics team.

“The reason SIMPAC can provide unbeatably fast delivery times boils down to our extensive production capabilities, massive inventory of plate, and casting, gear, and fab shops that ensure competitive time and cost-efficient production of high-quality, sophisticated press systems,” Robertson states. 

6. Turnkey solutions

Implementing automation via only one supplier will go a long way in saving on costs. Not to mention, it is much easier to work with one supplier as opposed to outsourcing for various additions to your established press lines. Finding a supplier that can support metal formers by providing turnkey solutions is essential if metal formers wish to increase throughput—regardless if the automation is an upgrade to an older-generation machine, or a new press line. Suppliers must be able to offer options and work closely with metal formers. For this reason alone, SIMPAC has developed partnerships with various suppliers to expand its product portfolio—partnerships that appeal to diverse markets such as Siemens, Allen Bradley, Baumüller, and others. Just because a supplier may not produce certain parts does not mean they cannot provide said parts for the metal former.

The Results:

Refer to the six solutions above when evaluating the capital equipment suppliers you currently work with, as you can measure the overall impact the supplier has on your business in the following ways: reachability, quality, efficiency, and opportunities.

Reachability: How quick was the turnaround when requesting service and spare parts? How did this impact your shop in regards to production delays, etc.?

Quality: You’ve invested in capital equipment, but how many production runs were possible before service was needed? How much did you spend on such equipment, and additional parts if applicable, in comparison to the profits made? 

Efficiency: How long did it take for your equipment to arrive? Did this delay production or increase labor hours? If automation was implemented, what was the difference in throughput compared to before?

Opportunities: Has the partnership with your press manufacturer provided you with connections to other suppliers? Does your supplier have enough turnkey options available, or do you have to spend more time and money researching and building relations with various other suppliers?

To learn more about how you can increase profits, remain competitive, and EXPLORE THE DIFFERENCE with SIMPAC, contact info@simpac-america.com. 

Metal Forming Strategies for Overcoming Economic Crises

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Industry-Related Terms: Center, Core, Forming, Lines, Plate, Scale
View Glossary of Metalforming Terms

 

See also: SIMPAC America Co. Ltd.

Technologies: Stamping Presses

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