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Issue 10 January/February 2017
e-Newswire
SIGMA OEM Delivers Clothing Bins, Quality, and Peace of Mind
Paul Curry, Founder and CEO of Bay State Textiles, Inc., and Puerto Rico Textile Recycling, LLC, needed a new OEM supplier to manufacture hundreds of new clothing recycle bins. His required a partner who could provide design specification, structural durability, a lasting paint job, user-friendly packaging, reasonable cost, reliable logistics, and timely delivery. SIGMA OEM was able to meet these needs by working collaboratively with Curry's team.
 
To begin, Curry presented his specifications to the SIGMA OEM design team. SIGMA Engineers created a prototype, which Curry tweaked slightly.  He describes this phase of the project: "The SIGMA OEM designers were very receptive to my input. They were willing to listen, and that made a difference."  The adjustments were made, and they then began working toward structural durability and a long lasting paint job.
 
SIGMA OEM chose galvanized steel for the bin material to ensure strength, and they used an innovative powder coating process to maintain the paint's sheen and color.  Curry comments, "SIGMA's galvanized steel material selection and powder coating protocol made the bins particularly durable and long lasting; we have some that have been outside for three years in the wind, rain, and salt air, and they show no signs of wear and tear--they still look shiny and new."  In this industry, bins that maintain their appearance and integrity are highly valued. Curry adds, "Municipalities, our main customers, place a premium on bins that retain their appearance, because if they break down, residents complain about blight, and we have to provide replacements.  SIGMA OEM's bins are very durable, and this is crucial to customer satisfaction and our cost."
 
Packaging was another key consideration.  SIGMA OEM's packaging configuration saved Bay State Textile and Puerto Rico Textile Recycling significant time.   Curry elaborates:  "In the past, our workers have taken six hours to unload each container. SIGMA OEM's team packaged the material in such a way that enabled the work to be done in two hours.  Time is money, so that was of great benefit to us. They were also able to consolidate the shipment.  This limited the number of containers needed, which provided additional cost savings."  The packaging arrangement also contributed to efficient spot checks.  Curry emphasizes the importance of this: "We were able to confirm accurately and quickly that all components were in the crates--this is crucial for our assembly and quality assurance."
 
SIGMA OEM delivered the products on time and within budget.  Curry concludes, "It was seamless.  That peace of mind is priceless. What we look for in an OEM supplier is reliability, because this can be risky if you don't know the factories and you don't have any leverage.  SIGMA OEM's overseas infrastructure makes them a partner I can count on, and I don't really have to assume any risk.  Their stateside headquarters means I can call them any time and they will resolve any issue that arises." 
 
Bay State and Puerto Rico Textile recently placed an order for 500 additional units.  For information on this or other OEM products and services, please contact oem@sigmaco.com.
A Six Pack of Tips for Choosing a Reputable Foundry
   
For an OEM customer, choosing a foundry can be overwhelming. The success of a project often hinges on the foundry, and if the operation is not sound, there can be dire consequences.  Faulty components, delayed deliveries, unforeseen costs, and customs issues are just a few of the risks associated with substandard foundries. 
 
SIGMA OEM offers the following advice on selecting a reputable foundry to ensure that the is job done right:
  1. Conduct a full quality and environmental audit of the facility.  Request a comprehensive report of quality protocols. Ensure that the supplier follows, updates, and documents the QA processes. Similarly, require an environmental report to confirm compliance of water, air, and waste requirements, and check that inspections and certifications are current.
  2. Review the foundry's financials. Are the capital expenditures and investments sound? Is there a significant pension liability that could compromise the facility's long term solvency?  Is the real estate value of the property excessive? Is the credit and payment history healthy? Does the foundry carry sufficient insurance?  Check the policy for liability and coverage.
  3. Look into the foundry's management and labor force. Are there "boots on the ground" to represent your interest? Do the designers, engineers, and fabricators possess the skills and credentials required? Avoid operations with a history of conflict. Determine whether there is a union involved, and note the status of any ongoing labor contracts.
  4. Examine the equipment.  Is the machinery in good order?  Is it proactively maintained, repaired, and replaced?  Does the facility suffer frequent breakdowns and work interruptions?
  5. Consider the foundry's scale. Is the facility able to service a sizable order? Make sure the foundry has sufficient infrastructure and capital to procure and process materials needed for large-scale production. Ensure that the foundry's logistics and networks are comprehensive: Do they have customs experience?  Can they manage international shipping, import and export procedures?
  6. Does the foundry offer the service model you require?   Whether it be JIT, Direct Delivery, Vendor Managed Inventory, or Consignment, it is essential that the supplier meet your preference.
Following these six guidelines should ensure that OEM Supplier you select will deliver a quality component capably and efficiently.  For information on SIGMA's foundries, please contact OEM@sigmaco.com.
New Showroom Highlights SIGMA OEM Products
 
SIGMA's headquarters, located in Cream Ridge, NJ, has undergone a recent renovation, and the upgraded showroom is the highlight of the project.  Designed to showcase the breadth and depth of SIGMA's products and capabilities, this new space provides a comprehensive display of SIGMA OEM's offerings.
 
Says SIGMA OEM Sales Manager Tom Whittington, "The new showroom presented a great opportunity for us to demonstrate the full range of our OEM capabilities.  From the Gorilla Bow fitness equipment to Reggio Registers to Micrometers and automotive parts, the displays highlight the fact that SIGMA OEM can truly produce any component our customers require."
 
To arrange a visit the new showroom, please contact oem@sigmaco.com.
SIGMA | 800-999-2550 | djones@sigmaco.com | www.sigmaoem.com
700 GOLDMAN DRIVE
CREAM RIDGE, NJ 08514