As the political climate calls for localization and more manufacturing within the United States, many companies are reevaluating their production and purchasing strategies. Some are considering a relocation of operations or a change in their suppliers. While locally producing may be an option, it is often more expensive. Ultimately, the bottom line cost must be the deciding factor for successful businesses. Companies with the lowest value stream maximize their profits, optimize growth and create more opportunities for employees.
Whether a company has historically preferred offshore or domestic manufacturers, many are finding that that their best strategy going forward is to incorporate a mix of the two. This generally enables companies to realize the lowest cost. In addition, it ensures a diversified supply chain to offset any potential issues that may arise.
Recently, there has been much industry chatter about anti-dumping duties associated with purchasing castings overseas. Understandably, companies wish to avoid paying a duty on top of the price of the products. For many years, there have been anti-dumping duties in place on cast iron construction castings from Brazil, Canada and China. The products in this category include manhole covers, rings and frames, "heavy" catch basins, grates, "heavy" cleanout covers and frames, "light" valve and service boxes and "light" meter boxes. These items serve as just a few examples of duties influencing the desire to purchase outsourced products.
SIGMA offers turnkey service on these and all other OEM products-fabrications, machining, assemblies and finished coatings. We eliminate the need for customers to investigate and manage the complex importation process. We handle every step in the supply channel from sourcing the raw material to design, manufacture, international duties and transportation/delivery.
For information on SIGMA's OEM services, please contact McGustavus Miller, Jr. at
gmiller@sigmaco.com
or (609) 901-1073.