Reshoring has become an increasingly viable option for companies looking to mitigate supply chain disruptions and reduce lead times. One such success story involves Company B (whose name is withheld for privacy reasons), which recently partnered with AdvanTech Plastics to bring its injection molding operations back to the United States from China. Leading this initiative was Brian Jimenez, AdvanTech Plastics’ Business Development Manager, who played a crucial role in facilitating a smooth transition.
The Challenges of Overseas Production
Company B had a longstanding relationship with a supplier in China for all its injection molding needs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant challenges, including transit delays and severe port congestion. At its peak, these issues caused Company B’s lead times to stretch to a staggering 18 months, forcing the company to place purchase orders a year and a half in advance just to meet assembly timelines. This situation quickly became unsustainable, prompting Company B to seek a more efficient solution closer to home.
Partnering with AdvanTech Plastics
In response to these challenges, Company B turned to AdvanTech Plastics to help reshore its molds. AdvanTech worked closely with a U.S. mold shop that also had operations in China, allowing them to coordinate directly with Company B’s previous supplier. The mold shop not only picked up the molds from the supplier but also conducted thorough inspections, performed sampling, and carried out any necessary repairs. Once the molds were approved, they were shipped to AdvanTech’s facility, ready for production.
AdvanTech’s transition efforts drastically improved Company B’s production capabilities. Lead times were reduced from 18 months to just four weeks, with scheduled monthly releases ensuring a consistent supply. In urgent cases, AdvanTech can even overnight inventory to Company B’s facility within 24-48 hours, allowing for unparalleled flexibility and responsiveness.
A Winning Formula: Competitiveness, Efficiency, and Quality
One of the key reasons behind AdvanTech’s success with mold transfers is their commitment to competitiveness, efficiency, and quality. AdvanTech’s experience with both domestic and offshore mold transfers allows them to offer solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Their dedicated Quality Team ensures that all products meet or exceed customer expectations, while the Production Team continuously works to optimize the production cycle and minimize waste.
AdvanTech’s recent investment in five new all-electric presses further enhances their efficiency, contributing to faster production times and lower scrap rates. Combined with the company’s low overhead costs, these factors make AdvanTech a competitive choice compared to other domestic manufacturers.
Continued Success in Reshoring Initiatives
Company B’s decision to partner with AdvanTech Plastics has proven to be a resounding success. The reshoring initiative not only addressed the challenges of long lead times and unreliable supply chains but also positioned Company B for future growth with a reliable, domestic manufacturing partner.
As more companies look to reshore their operations in response to global challenges, AdvanTech Plastics continues to lead the way with tailored solutions, proven expertise, and a commitment to quality. Company B’s success story serves as an inspiring example of how reshoring can streamline operations, reduce costs, and restore control over production processes.