Due to its extensive global network, EQI is the perfect partner for Hyster-Yale. The company has a strong international presence with manufacturing facilities and regional product development centers in the US, China, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, India, and Japan. EQI also has an extensive global network, with headquarters in the US, Canada, Vietnam, China, and India. In addition, EQI has 11 warehouses and finish painting locations across three continents and 30 customer fulfillment locations on six continents.
Because EQI sources products offshore, it’s well-equipped to be cost-competitive, meet quality requirements, store products near customers, and always have a team ready to serve. These capabilities were beneficial during the supply chain disruptions during the pandemic.
Solving Supply-Chain Challenges During the Pandemic
Over the past few years, COVID-19, unprecedented inflation, and material shortages have been incredibly disruptive for companies such as Hyster-Yale. Shortages across Tier 1,2 and 3 parts and components required significant changes in the company’s ordinarily steady supply chain. To address these challenges, Hyster-Yale turned to its core suppliers for help securing parts when and where they needed them.
As a key supplier for Hyster-Yale, EQI set the standard for overcoming supply chain challenges and meeting delivery dates in a crisis. First, EQI offered Hyster-Yale use of its freight forwarder, containers, and shipping contacts. EQI also found alternative sources for materials, mitigating risk by supplying parts that can be produced at multiple locations.
For years, EQI has had multiple regional sources across China. So, when certain Chinese regions closed during the pandemic, EQI had other resources to turn to in China. EQI also became the first and largest customer of a foundry in India that produces cast iron counterweights. EQI’s strategic approach to sourcing materials in new regions set an industry precedent and helped them fulfill clients’ needs during the shutdown.
Becoming a Center-of-Gravity Supplier
EQI has grown exponentially since 2004. Initially, the company focused on gray iron counterweights for forklift trucks and other large mobile equipment. Over the next decade, it entered new markets in construction, forestry, CNC machine tool manufacturing, and more. It’s also become a pivotal partner to several large-scale manufacturers by launching strategic initiatives to expand sourcing operations and offer value-added services.
For example, in late 2021, EQI acquired Industrial Paint Solutions in North Ireland, fueling EQI’s penetration in warehousing and finish painting services. The facility is also strategically close to Hyster-Yale’s plant in Ireland, allowing EQI to help them reduce working capital and warehouse production-ready parts according to Hyster-Yale’s line sequence and manufacturing schedule. EQI provides a similar value-added service in the US with a warehouse near Hyster-Yale’s largest manufacturing facility in Kentucky. The warehouse allows Hyster-Yale to keep fewer goods on hand while keeping line-ready components nearby.
This is just the beginning of a long and successful partnership between EQI and Hyster-Yale. In the years ahead, the team at EQI will continue to uncover and solve problems for Hyster-Yale, helping them mitigate risk through tailored solutions, hassle-free logistics, and cost-effective quality.
If you’d like to learn more about how EQI can solve your supply chain challenges, please contact:
Phone: (616) 850-2630 E-mail: info@eqiltd.com
ADDING A NEW DEMENSION TO EQI’S EXTENSIVE METAL PRODUCT OFFERING, PRO-TECH EXPANDES CAPABILITIES AND SERVICES ACROSS A BROAD RANGE OF OEM’S AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS
Spring Lake, MI 2/19/2024 – EQI, a leading provider of line-ready solutions for metal products, has finalized its acquisition of Pro-Tech, a prominent supplier of metal products to the thermal processing industry. This strategic move underscores EQI’s commitment to diversification and expansion into key markets, positioning the company for sustained growth and success.
Established in 1985 by brothers Jim and Mike Barron and headquartered outside Chicago, IL, Pro-Tech has built a strong reputation for supplying high-temperature products utilized in various sectors including heat treating, steel production, lime production, cement production, and power generation. Pro-Tech’s proprietary products, coupled with its strategic approach of utilizing company-owned tooling and outsourcing production to high-quality foundries, have enabled it to establish a solid foothold in the thermal processing market.
Pro-Tech proudly serves a diverse customer base of over 100 clients, ranging from commercial heat-treaters to major players in heavy-duty truck manufacturing, power generation, automotive, and aerospace industries with captive heat-treating operations. With 90% of its revenue originating in the United States and additional contributions from Mexico, Canada, and India, Pro-Tech has effectively expanded its global footprint while upholding a robust presence within the domestic market. EQI is excited about partnering with Pro-Tech to further strengthen the company’s position and deliver enhanced value to its customers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pro-Tech into the EQI family,” said Blake Phillips, President & CEO of EQI. “Their extensive expertise in the thermal processing industry and their commitment to quality align perfectly with EQI’s core values and strategic objectives. Together, we will leverage our combined strengths to deliver exceptional value to our customers and drive innovation in this critical sector.”
Under the terms of the acquisition, Pro-Tech will operate as a division of EQI, maintaining its focus on delivering high-quality products and services to its customers. EQI remains dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence, ensuring a smooth transition for both teams, and further enhancing customer satisfaction.
About EQI, Ltd:
With an unmatched range of expertise and production capabilities, EQI is a leading provider of line-ready metal components that streamline and de-risk the supply chain for industrial equipment manufacturers. The company’s one-of-a-kind foundry network delivers high-quality metal castings, forgings, and fabrications on-time and on-budget. With a team of experts and locations in the U.S., Canada, China, India, Europe, and Vietnam, EQI’s tailored solutions mitigate risk and contain costs for manufacturers worldwide.
About Pro-Tech:
Pro-Tech is a renowned supplier of high-temperature products to the thermal processing industry, with a diverse customer base and a strong global presence. Established in 1985, Pro-Tech has built a reputation for quality and reliability, serving clients across various sectors including heat treating, steel production, lime production, cement production, and power generation.
For more information about Pro-Tech, please visit:
PROTECH companyinc.com
For additional details on how EQI’s new capabilities can assist you, please contact:
Phone: (616) 850-2630
E-mail: info@eqiltd.com
August 2023
Spring Lake, MI
EQI and Accucam Machining, a division of EQI, are excited to announce the unification of both companies under the EQI brand following the successful integration of the business.
The highly detailed integration work enables a unified EQI and its nearly 350 associates to deliver synergies across the enterprise and provide compelling advantages to our customers and supplier partners around the world. While much of the work was completed “behind the scenes”, with little to no impact to our valued customers and associates, the results have already been transformational. The full integration and unification of these two great businesses provides tremendous opportunities across the value-chain from Sourcing and Production to value added services and product fulfillment.
With the integration complete, a united EQI offers an unmatched range of expertise and production capabilities for line-ready metal components that deliver certainty to industrial equipment manufacturers in today’s uncertain world.
To learn more about The EQI Advantage, contact us today!