EQI Saves the Day for Forestry Equipment OEM

Challenge

When a local foundry announced its imminent closing, it created a major headache for a large forestry equipment manufacturer. For more than a decade, the OEM had relied on this single domestic foundry for production of the feed wheels needed for its signature forestry heads. The manufacturer bought a stockpile of parts and, based on a recommendation from its parent company (a Fortune 500, US-based OEM and long-time EQI customer), contacted EQI to take over the program.

Over the years, the manufacturer’s long-time supplier had developed a proprietary material for the parts and had changed the product specifications, so the original product drawings provided to EQI were no longer accurate.

Tailored Solution

EQI needed to quickly develop an entire start-to-finish program for the new customer. EQI professionals went to work applying its 360 Approach.

Product development

With no time to spare, EQI staff metallurgists successfully analyzed the product material characteristics and identified what material would meet the exact high-strength, high-hardness, and wear-resistance requirements of the part. EQI engineers completed process solidification modeling to design a robust process for producing high-quality parts. Drawings were updated to reflect the actual materials and specifications needed to replicate the parts the customer had been receiving.

Sourcing

EQI looked to its one-of-a-kind global foundry network, determining the most capable and competitive fit within its network.

Production

EQI staff, on the ground at the foundry, assure product conformance.

Logistics, inventory management, and order fulfillment

EQI professionals determined the optimal freight, inventory, and fulfillment program for the OEM.

Results

EQI not only restored the OEM’s supply of critical parts after the closing of its long-time supplier, but the new program has saved the customer approximately 30% in total landed costs the first year.
With an unparalleled global foundry network, EQI provides dual-source risk mitigation the OEM had previously lacked.
EQI is able to expedite shipping as necessary to manage an unprecedented post-pandemic increase in demand for the customer’s products.

EQI Saves the Day for Forestry Equipment OEM

Challenge

Tailored Solution

Results

EQI not only restored the OEM’s supply of critical parts after the closing of its long-time supplier, but the new program has saved the customer approximately 30% in total landed costs the first year.

With an unparalleled global foundry network, EQI provides dual-source risk mitigation the OEM had previously lacked.

EQI is able to expedite shipping as necessary to manage an unprecedented post-pandemic increase in demand for the customer’s products.

Find out how EQI can simplify your supply chain. Contact David Redeker to schedule a no-cost, 360º Review.