How to Choose a Steel Supplier

Choosing your organization’s steel supplier is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your manufacturing operations. No matter your industry or project specifications and scope, the right steel—and the right steel supplier—can make all the difference. To ensure a successful and sustainable partnership, it’s essential to evaluate potential suppliers based on various factors carefully. This blog post details six steps to take when choosing a steel supplier.

• Assess Your Requirements
  • Define your necessary steel specifications, including product type, grade, thickness, width, and required tolerances or certifications. 
  • Consider the environmental conditions, including weather, temperature fluctuations, corrosive environments, and load-bearing requirements that may affect the steel grade and coating required.
  • Estimate the volume of steel you need and a delivery schedule to coincide with your production calendar and available inventory overhead.
  • Determine the quantity and volume of steel required for your project. Consider ordering slightly more than the exact amount needed to account for any unforeseen circumstances or changes in project scope.

• Evaluate Their Commitment to Quality Standards
  • Ensure the supplier adheres to industry standards for quality, demonstrated by certifications for quality management, such as those from the International Organization for Standardization.
  • Look for industry-specific certifications from groups with stringent standards, such as the American Welding Society or Canadian Welding Bureau. 
  • Request documentation on the supplier’s quality control processes, testing methods, and performance audits. A transparent supplier should willingly share this information to demonstrate their commitment to quality

• Examine Their Product Range & Availability
  • Evaluate the supplier’s range of steel products to ensure they offer the specific types and grades that meet your requirements. 
  • A comprehensive supplier should offer a wide range of steel grades suitable for various applications, such as carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and specialty grades.
  • Ensure the supplier provides the forms and shapes you require, whether it’s sheets, plates, bars, tubes, or customized shapes for specific project needs.
  • Assess whether the supplier offers specialized steel products, such aspre-fabricated components, processed steel, or products with unique coatings or finishes.
  • Look for a supplier with value-added services. Suppliers who can also perform services such as machining and tooling, forming and stamping, or applying various finishes could help save time and internal resources before your steel arrives.
  • A supplier who can customize steel products to meet your unique specifications may be essential for projects with specific design or performance requirements.
  • Assess the supplier’s ability to handle unexpected disruptions in the supply chain, such as natural disasters or geopolitical influences.

• Consider Their Geographical Proximity & Delivery Capabilities
  • Consider the supplier’s geographical reach and distribution network. Proximity to your project site can contribute to faster and more cost-effective deliveries.
  • Suppliers with multiple locations or distribution centers may provide shorter lead times.
  • Suppliers who manage their shipping services in house will have greater control over the delivery process.

•   Assess Pricing & Value
  • Review the historical pricing trends for steel. Stay informed about current market trends and fluctuations in steel prices. Factors such as global demand, raw material costs, and geopolitical events can influence steel prices. Industry publications and market research can provide valuable information.
  • Steel prices can fluctuate frequently based on availability and other market conditions. While the value available from various price points and effects on your company’s budget should be important factors in purchasing decisions, they shouldn’t be the only factors. The lowest prices from the cheapest suppliers may be too good to be true, implying compromised quality that could lead to higher expenses in the long run.
  • Choose a supplier with a transparent pricing structure. Clear breakdowns of costs, including material, processing, and delivery, can help you understand the components of the overall price.

•  Evaluate Their Communication, Responsiveness, & Support
  • Inquire about the availability of representatives who can assist or take your call whenever any issues or concerns arise.
  • Evaluate the supplier’s communication and responsiveness—a reliable supplier should provide clear and timely communication.
  • Dedicated customer service should be a priority, not an afterthought.

Make the Right Choice with Westfield Steel

If you’re looking for a reliable supplier that can do more with steel to meet your needs, fit your production schedule, and become a reliable, high-quality provider, talk to the experts at Westfield Steel. 

We maintain a massive, robust inventory of diverse steel products through three distribution centers across the Midwest. Utilizing a wide variety of timeless techniques and state-of-the-art technology, Westfield Steel’s certified and highly trained team can cut, roll, weld, and further fabricate products to your project’s exact specifications. 

When it’s time for delivery, Westfield Steel customers benefit from the dedicated fleet of our own authorized-for-hire, over-the-road trucking company, Westfield Steel Express. 

Whether you’re reexamining your suppliers to save money, shorten lead times, or need an ISO 9001:2015-certified partner committed to high quality and able to meet your just-in-time needs, reach out to Westfield Steel. Connect with our experts, learn more about our capabilities, and take the first step toward a steel relationship you can count on today.

 

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