Why purchase imported fasteners instead of those manufactured domestically?
Cost Efficiency: Many countries, particularly those in Asia, can produce high-quality fasteners at a lower cost due to less expensive labor, lower costs of raw materials, and sometimes more favorable regulations. Global sourcing provides an opportunity for companies to take advantage of these cost differences and save money, which can be crucial in a competitive market.
Scalability and Supply Chain Diversity: Importing fasteners also offers scalability and allows for a more diverse supply chain. By sourcing globally, a company can tap into a wider network of suppliers, which can help mitigate risk if there are disruptions with a domestic supplier.
Product Quality: While cost savings is important, maintaining product quality is paramount. To ensure product quality, our company conducts onsite manufacturer visits and has established long-term relationships with producers. This allows us to scrutinize the manufacturing process, inspect the quality of raw materials used, and ensure that the manufacturing practices align with our standards. It is our standard practice to require sample approval before mass production.
Quality Assurance Mechanisms: The overseas manufacturers and exporters we work with are ISO 9001 certified and offer Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) Level 3 and laser sorting, aiming to meet quality levels below 25 parts per million (ppm). This means that the potential for defective parts is very low, ensuring the highest quality standards for fastener production. PPAP Level 3 is a globally recognized standard that includes product samples and complete supporting documentation, ensuring that the producer has understood all design specifications and can meet the production process requirements consistently.
By balancing these factors, American distributors and manufacturers can reap the benefits of global sourcing while ensuring that the fasteners they purchase meet the highest standards of quality.