Suppliers in the spotlight as Ingimex drives for continuous improvement

Sep 05

Two new supplier development programmes are being introduced by Ingimex as part of the manufacturer’s drive for continuous improvement. Managing Director, Justin Gallen, explains: “We’re aiming to become more ‘automotive’ in our procedures, adapting best practice to suit our volume manufacturing approach. For example, we’re currently piloting a fast track tendering process with sheet metal suppliers which will eventually be rolled out to other suppliers across the business. One measure of success would be to achieve cost-down, but we will be scrutinising quality in terms of service, delivery, engineering and manufacture and taking an holistic view of performance. The same principle applies to our project to establish a ‘vendor rating’ scheme. This is more about creating a supplier development programme than simply a ‘straight’ measure of supplier performance.”

“Historically, the sector has suffered from low investment because of low returns and a lack of opportunity. Our decision to take the path of volume manufacturing means that we can now tap into a core vein of demand for a standard product – and our suppliers have a vital role to play. The overriding aim is to offer standardisation of design, validated performance and repeatable build quality. This brings tremendous customer benefits in terms of risk management, both for the operator and end user, and puts our thinking is on a par with the leading automotive names.”

“We are in a business environment where long-term strategic partnerships count, for both vehicle chassis manufacturers and quality suppliers. Our sights are set on gaining market share in Europe within the next three years, and we are ready to grow.”

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