Prak stated that customers may think it is easier to manage a supplier who is nearby, instead of one that is far away. He said, “The truth is that it is much more important to find the right supplier than to find one that is in close proximity. MMI easily sources products from all over the world.”
When a specialty component is desired, a common idea is that one should find a supplier who specializes in the processes required for that component. However, by sourcing a product from a company who specializes in a certain process, a customer can get locked into using that process. Prak offered a better solution, saying, “It’s better to find a manufacturer who can analyze the function of the part and then offer the most cost-effective, best-performing manufacturing process to suit the situation.”
While it is best to use standard components when possible, Prak noted that innovative products and designs will often require special components due to their new and unique characteristics. Special components are often designed to function more effectively in a given application or to take the place of multiple standard components, often saving money.
In a recent example, a customer came to MMI with a part that consisted of a bamboo shaft that had been reinforced with a carbon fiber rod. The challenge was how to maintain the same weight and strength, but cut the cost. Prak explained how MMI successfully met this goal. “We replaced the carbon fiber with an aluminum extrusion. The strength was maintained, and the result was a cost savings of about 25%.”
Founded in 1991, Michigan Manufacturing International (MMI) specializes in supplying manufactured to print assemblies and components to original equipment manufacturers (OEM). Products include assemblies, castings, stampings, machined parts, gears, bearings and more. Services include product engineering, manufacturing, inventory management and stocking programs - all designed to streamline client operations and increase profitability. MMI designs the most effective, highest quality solutions from anywhere in the world.
For more information about MMI, visit www.michmfg.com or call 800-677-0504.
