Why EQI is uniquely positioned to handle any type of supply chain risk.

 

We’ve all heard the news about the tariffs, and many of you have come to us with concerns. How will these tariffs affect us? Where is the right place to do business?

Our answer to these questions is simple. Tariffs are just another type of supply chain disruption, and we at EQI are the most effective company in the world at mitigating risk for your metal components.

From the pandemic to environmental crises, government sanctions, and beyond, we have swiftly navigated every type of challenge you can imagine–including tariffs implemented by previous administrations.

We thoughtfully evaluate each customer’s challenges and create custom solutions, matching them with the best capabilities and partners for each project. To achieve this, we leverage our global manufacturing network, which empowers us to produce a diverse array of line-ready metal components that fulfill unique product needs.

 

Let’s take a look at a few more reasons why EQI is uniquely capable of mitigating risk:

• Top-three global counterweight provider with years of experience managing risk.
• A leadership team that brings decades of experience in production, procurement, logistics, supply chain management, and more.
• Spent over 20 years developing an extensive supply chain in China and have maintained strong relationships with production partners there. China continues to produce high-quality, lower-cost products, even with the tariffs.
• Developed strong partnerships with suppliers in India, Vietnam, and North America, doubling our capacity and enhancing our ability to swiftly source outside of China as needed.
• Established global logistics and shipping partners. Other competitors in this market don’t have the same type of access to large-scale options. For example, EQI ships over 8,000 containers per year.

Thanks to our partners and the entire EQI team for all we’ve achieved in 2024.

At the close of every year, the EQI team takes time to celebrate the goals we’ve reached. We’ve had a lot to be thankful for in 2024. So let’s take a by-the-numbers look at everything we’ve accomplished with help from our customers, employees, and industry partners.

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For nearly two decades, EQI has been creating supply chain certainty for global companies. Since its inception in Spring Lake, MI, in 2004, EQI has become a leading provider of line-ready metal components. One of the most significant reasons for the company’s growth is the relationship it established with Hyster in 2006. Today, the company that’s now called Hyster-Yale partners with EQI to source components for a wide range of lift trucks and aftermarket parts.

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. 

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