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plastic injection molding automotive parts

With a stunning 75% of automotive injection molding companies experiencing business interruptions due to the COVID-19 shutdown of essential businesses, many are taking a closer look at the effects of globalization of supply chains1. More specifically, automotive OEMs are either actively looking to reshore or are planning to relocate to protect their supply chains -as well as their businesses — from the economic and political impact of the spread of the virus.

The practicalities of reshoring are counterbalanced by hesitation around the cost. automotive injection mould makers are facing big challenges as lower auto sales and production stoppages mount, and OEMs are leery of transitioning to what was historically an expenselier method of manufacturing as opposed to offshoring.

But, as alliances in supply chains continue to fail under the strain of the pandemic, automotive OEMs are considering the cost they are paying for upfront offshore savings. Production lines shutting down, product issues, and transportation delays are not uncommon and expensive.

Reshoring to a U.S. supplier for custom injection-molded automotive components lends itself to offering a highly skilled, trustworthy supply chain that can be responsive to the demands of manufacturers in four areas:

1. Parts are available for purchase

Automotive companies must stock custom injection-molded plastic parts to fulfill vehicle orders and stock replacement parts. Offshoring puts consistent production at risk because of the higher risk of logistical problems, time zone miscalculations, and defective parts.

Conversely, domestic custom injection molders significantly reduce the supply chain, by eliminating the complications of international commerce. Plastic parts that are free of defects are manufactured faster, and are reliably supplied to OEMs of automobiles when they are- they’re needed.

2.  EFFICIENCIES

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to a successful offshore production process is the language obstacle. Relying on the basics of English could get a project up and running however, miscommunication is a common occurrence when colloquial expressions aren’t translated into simple explanations and steps to take, or written product requirement documents can’t be reviewed properly.

The same is true for gap in culture, since the concepts of timeliness and speed often aren’t always in sync. As a result, productivity is dispersed and crucial deadlines missed.

Moving production to well-established U.S. suppliers effectively negates these potential risks for the production line and throughout every step of the manufacturing cycle.

3. ZERO DEFECTS

plastic injection molding automotive parts  that serve pivotal auto functions and are complex in design may be destroyed if they do not have a constant oversight and quality control. All defective components are hazardous, but those manufactured abroad present additional costly dilemmas for the manufacturer such as:

Are the components rebuilt in the U.S., or returned to the country of origin?

If returned, can the project take on additional shipping cost and time?

Who is responsible for Liability for product and legal issues?

On the other hand, domestically produced automotive components remain under manufacturer quality assurance standards. If necessary, course correction, is efficiently accomplished because resolving product defects doesn’t cause a myriad of new problems.

4. LOGISTICS

Transoceanic shipping and the varying time zones automatically increase product lead time. This is inefficient in itself without incorporating adverse weather, customs complications and other delays-causing delivery obstacles.

A close relationship with suppliers close to home reduces waiting times and transportation obstacles, which allows automobile manufacturers to respond quickly to the demands of customers. Furthermore, shipping costs for domestic customers are usually lower due to the distance and the required method of travel.

It’s a time of uncertainty, and the abundance of caution employed in the automotive industry reflects it. Reshoring is an efficient and becoming increasingly sought-after solution for OEMs of the automotive industry in need of custom injection-molded parts , as well as domestic supply chains that is able to meet the demand.

https://www.plasticmoulds.net/automotive-injection-molding