The Role of Steel Suppliers in the Automotive Industry
Qualities that differentiate
At one time, steel was the only game in town for automotive manufacturers, but change happens. Finding a steel supplier who can adapt to change and persevere through the “ups and downs” is essential. In this post, we describe the ideal steel supplier’s role in the automotive industry today.
THE BEST AUTOMOTIVE STEEL SUPPLIERS HAVE:
A JIT delivery system. In the fiercely competitive auto market, manufacturers must find ways to save on materials and labor. A supplier with a Just-In-Time delivery system (JIT) provides manufacturers with the ability to cut down on parts warehousing during periods of slower sales, reducing unnecessary inventory.
High standards for the best product. Because there is often less time for quality control when receiving parts on demand, auto manufacturers must be able to rely on their steel suppliers to deliver high quality products and parts. Steel suppliers should be committed to quality and will maintain ISO 9001:2015 certification to ensure quality in everything they produce. In addition, quality and process controls such as PPAPs and FMEAs are an important part of the value that a the best steel suppliers will offer. And since precise welding is key to the best quality steel parts, look for suppliers with welding certifications.
Value added manufacturing for vehicle parts. Due to rising costs of assembly and competition in finding and/or training skilled workers, manufacturers in the automotive industry often need more help from their suppliers. Production ready steel is made possible through value added manufacturing such as laser, CNC machining, stamping, burning; forming, robotic welding, and assembly.
A commitment to communication. Time is of the essence in the automotive industry. The time it takes to get quotes and answers to questions can make the difference in meeting deadlines. A responsive steel supplier will turn around most quotes the same day they receive them as well as offer help determining exactly what is needed to fulfill the automotive manufacturer’s needs.
In addition to the aforementioned qualities, great reviews and testimonials can help distinguish the best steel suppliers. If you are looking for a partner for your automotive manufacturing, check out the key qualities to look for in a steel supplier.
About Westfield Steel
Westfield Steel has a deeply-rooted midwestern history. They were founded in 1977 as a family owned company, which has grown over the years to encompass not just steel fabrication, but also distribution and light manufacturing. Its distribution arm, Westfield Steel Express, is an authorized-for-hire common carrier that provides affordable, on-time delivery for a wide range of cargo, including lumber, cement, steel coils, heavy equipment and building materials.
Westfield Steel’s industry affiliations include: The Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI), the North American Steel Alliance (NASA), the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI), the Indiana Fabricators Association (IFA), the American Welding Society (AWS), the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) and the Ohio Structural Steel and Architectural Metals Association (OSA.)
