Five Strategies for Success for Material Handling Equipment Manufacturers
Staying on the cutting edge in today’s competitive manufacturing environment
In today’s ever-changing manufacturing environment, material handling equipment manufacturers must stay on the cutting edge. Whether they specialize in manufacturing forklifts, pallet jacks, scissor lifts, or specialized transport vehicles, savvy material handling manufacturers employ these five strategies to gain an edge over their competition and continue to grow their businesses.
- Stay agile in a changing economy. Economic upturns and downturns are inevitable. Manufacturing companies that are poised to ramp up production when demand increases and scale back with minimal disruption when demand ebbs will have an advantage over those who have not prepared a plan for both situations.
- Commit to lean manufacturing processes. Manufacturers who make a continual commitment to optimizing processes and reducing waste without compromising quality will outrun their competition over time. The best resource for finding efficiencies is your team. Smart organizations go directly to the source–they regularly ask their employees for suggestions of ways to streamline processes and minimize waste.
- Embrace the latest technology. Technological advancements enable material handling manufacturers to experience increased up time and cut down the time from design to production. The “smart” factories of the future will move beyond basic automation to integrate technology into every part of the manufacturing process. Manufacturers who embrace technology will carve out a niche for their businesses to serve new customers and expand product offerings.
- Create a culture of loyal employees. With the labor market growing increasingly tighter, retaining experienced employees is paramount. Organizations that commit to creating employee engagement programs and developing a strong and loyal team will gain an edge over those that struggle with turnover and training issues.
- Develop trusted supplier relationships. To level out supply cost fluctuations and reduce waste and downtime due to delayed deliveries and fabrication errors, successful manufacturers do the research to find the right supplier (one that will take the time to listen to their needs and understand their business) and then develop a long-term relationship. For example, a material handling equipment manufacturer that needs flame cut steel, light steel fabrication or other value-added processing should seek out an experienced and reliable steel supplier that can consistently and reliably deliver production ready product to their exact specifications.
Staying on the cutting edge in the ever-changing world of manufacturing is not easy. Innovative, forward-thinking and agile organizations keep an eye on what is working, while continuously striving for improvement.
About Westfield Steel
Located in Westfield, Indiana, Westfield Steel has a deep midwestern history and has been family-owned since it was founded in 1977. It has grown and expanded over the years to encompass not just steel fabrication, but also distribution and light manufacturing, with a commitment to putting customers first and developing strong customer relationships.
Westfield Steel takes pride in doing more with steel.
- Steel processing services include: Burning, forming, notching, punching, rolling, sawing, shearing, robotic welding, rolling, galvanizing, painting, powder coating, sand blasting, shot blasting and rebar bending and cutting,
- Steel products include: Angles, steel bar, beams, channels, pipe and tube, plate, rebar and mesh, steel sheet, floor grating, grip strut grating and threaded roll.
Westfield Steel Express
The distribution arm of Westfield Steel, Westfield Steel Express, (MC-648035-C and US DOT No. 1735506.) is an authorized-for-hire common carrier that provides affordable, just-in-time delivery for a wide range of cargo, including lumber, cement, steel coils, heavy equipment and building materials. Westfield Steel Express delivers steel to: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
Industry affiliations
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.)
Learn more about Westfield Steel or talk to a steel expert and get a quote today.
