Sanborn Order Programs Deliver Consistent, High-quality Fabricated Parts so OEMs Avoid Costs and Risks

OEMs are under pressure to turn out products quickly and efficiency while fighting against supply uncertainties and labor shortages.  Sanborn is helping OEMs overcome these challenges with a program purchasing option in which high-frequency metal parts are automatically fabricated and delivered on a regularly scheduled basis, so they arrive just in time and ready for the assembly line.  

Some OEMs do their own parts fabrication in-house, while others who outsource may order high-demand parts in smaller batches for the shorter term, only to repeat that process again and again throughout the life of the product. Instead, OEMs can outsource their fabricated parts to Sanborn through a quarterly, semi-annual or annual ordering program.

To accommodate a variety of parts, Sanborn’s shop is filled with state-of-the-art equipment that uses advanced technology for many fabrication processes: deburring/chamfering, tapping/threading, flow drilling, end forming, bending, machining, welding, kitting and assembly.

There are several benefits for OEMs to partner with Sanborn for program ordering tube and pipe materials and finished parts:

Lower material costs

Backed by its parent company, metal distributor Russel Metals, Sanborn has significant buying power with tube and pipe mills. Sanborn can often procure raw tube and pipe stock at much lower prices than OEMs can negotiate on their own. OEMs get locked into a consistent price with Sanborn regardless of cost fluctuations in the market.

Materials at the ready

With such close relationships to mills, Sanborn orders raw stock to be available when it’s needed, even in the case of quick turnaround parts orders. Mills can have drastically fluctuating lead times, but Sanborn absorbs that risk for its program customers. OEMs have peace of mind that they are protected against supply chain disruptions and material scarcity. 

No inventory

Raw materials and finished parts take up valuable floor space that could otherwise be used for profit-making production. Sanborn can stock materials and fabricated parts, delivering them on a regular basis determined by the OEM, so they’re just in time for assembly. During lower product demand periods, Sanborn can stock extra materials and parts on a short term basis.

Less reliance on labor and equipment

The continual skilled labor shortages present a high risk for OEMs who have deadlines to meet. If there aren’t enough workers to fabricate parts, it can bring the production line to a standstill. Parts fabricated and delivered by Sanborn eliminate the need for in-house fabricators and allow OEMs to reduce the amount of fabrication equipment needed on the shop floor. Current workers can be reassigned to higher-value tasks.

Consistent part quality 

Fabricated parts from Sanborn are consistently accurate, so there are no delays or internal refabs necessary. High-tech laser cutters, saws and CNC machines, as well as a rigorous QC process, ensure reliable quality. Plus, OEMs avoid scrap material to deal with in the shop.

Freed up capital

Sanborn pays for all the raw stock and fabrication, so OEMs are not responsible for the capital upfront. OEMs pay as each batch is delivered.

Higher throughput and profit

With a reliable delivery program of consistently accurate parts, there’s higher throughput potential without investing in additional workers or equipment. OEMs can become more profitable and gain a competitive edge.

For more than 65 years, the largest OEMs in turf care, furniture, agriculture, recreational vehicles and other industries have enjoyed the many benefits of program ordering from Sanborn. Contact Sanborn to see if an ordering program is right for your application.