What to keep in mind when looking for a new supplier for large parts

What to keep in mind when looking for a new supplier for large parts
December 21, 2017 Prime Engineering

If you’re looking for a new supplier of large parts for your project, there are a few important things to consider. When working with parts on such a big scale, really doing your research when settling on a supplier is essential.

Specialist services are often required, and specific machinery is needed to carry out the project. Here are a few things to mull over before committing to a supplier, so you can rest assured that you’ve made the right decision.

Reliability is a must.

Like every good relationship, finding a supplier who is renowned for being reliable will make your life much less stressful. Tight deadlines are a reality for any project, so you need to make sure that your supplier can deliver within a time frame. Take careful note of their past client testimonials and see if delivering on time is a common theme.

Quality is more important than a bargain deal.

You could be looking for parts for a bridge, a tunnel, a high rise or a dam. These structures are massive and are built to last a very long time. As a result, they obviously need to be made of sturdy materials and with precision. Many projects operate on tight budgets, but skimping on materials is not something that you want to do. Always be wary if a supplier is quoting a much lower price than others and look into the reason for this.

Engineers have a better understanding of the bigger picture.

Do the suppliers that you are considering have a background in engineering or are they engineers themselves? There’s a big difference between dealing with a company that simply makes the part you have designed, and dealing with one that understands where the part fits into the overall final design. They can recommend the best materials, assess how the part needs to change if the overall design is tweaked, and ensure that it’s properly certified and tested. Knowing that your supplier has this knowledge will give you better peace of mind.

Triple check international suppliers’ processes.

Different countries have different understandings of what a quality product is. Many international suppliers also go about making parts in different ways to Australia. For example, in China, the way that they coat steel is very different to Australia. It can be difficult to ensure that all parts meet Australian compliance when importing them from overseas. And you don’t want to pay an enormous amount to ship this large part from another country, just to have it arrive and realise that it does not fit properly. For this reason, choosing an Australian supplier who operates under Australian laws and codes of conduct is a much safer option.

Looking for a supplier with engineering knowledge to manufacture large parts? Contact Prime Engineering today!