Annual Cost Savings of over $200k through Global Procurement

Industry: Building and construction

Looking to Source: Construction Materials

Results:

*Annual cost savings of more than $220,000.

* Rapid procurement of multiple sourcing options.

* Multiple pricing options for several qualified suppliers.

* A sense of loyalty to Bank for introducing the company to Mawson Global.

The Objective

Our client is a steel fabricator and manufacturer and has a niche market in the installation of balconies on apartment buildings. The company wanted to investigate whether or not it could save money on balustrade posts of metal and, by the suggestion of its bank, contacted Mawson Global with hopes of not only identifying cost savings, but also a reliable global source.

The Approach

The client reached out to Mawson Global per the recommendation of their bank. The bank, which has been working with us for a number of years, advised the client that we would be a good resource for global sourcing options.

After discussing their sourcing needs and goals, our China-based staff researched a variety of suppliers – taking into consideration the client’s product specifications – and we were able to recommend reliable suppliers producing the posts in several China provinces.

We employed our proven rating system to identify the top suppliers by marking efficiency levels, reliability, and quality. Within a few days, we presented the client with four different options from different suppliers in China in our informative, easy-to-read Sourcing Report.

The Benefits

Significant Annual Cost Savings

Substantial Savings: Because of Mawson Global’s global sourcing assistance, the client chose a vendor that will help it experience an annual costs savings of more than $220,000.

Awesome ROI: As a result of Mawson Global’s fee-for-service model, the client pays once for the service, yet reaps the benefits for years to come.

Future Options

Multiple sourcing clients: Mawson Global was able to identify several suppliers that fit the client’s needs and product specifications.

Future flexibility: Because of Mawson Global’s results, the client now has the ability to quote on more jobs as the business can concentrate on installation, not manufacturing.

Added bonus: The client previously didn’t have a passport before its alliance with Mawson Global, and within four months, it was importing the posts after visiting and verifying the recommended suppliers.

Strong Loyalty to the Referrer

Instilling trust: The bank has been working with Mawson Global for a number of years, and provided the pathway for the client to find a dependable and experienced global sourcing partner it can trust. The bank’s relationship with the client was also strengthened through the global sourcing process because it demonstrated that the bank has the best interests of the client in mind.

Comprehensive Approach: Mawson Global provided a full array of services for this client, including its QuickLook Analysis, Supplier Research, Supplier Visits and Sourcing Project Management. 

New Case Study - Glass Sourcing Changes Lead to Huge Savings

Industry: Building and construction

Looking to Source: Glass (colored, etched, clear and frosted)

Results:

* Annual cost savings of more than $550,000.

* Rapid procurement of multiple sourcing options.

* Multiple pricing options for several qualified suppliers.

* A sense of loyalty to Bank for introducing the company to Mawson Global.

The Objective

Our client, a steel fabricator and manufacturer, has a niche market in the installation of glass balconies on apartment buildings. The company wanted to save money on the various types of glass needed in the construction of these balconies. By the suggestion of its bank it contacted Mawson Global with hopes of not only identifying cost savings, but also a reliable global sourcing partner.

The Approach

The client reached out to Mawson Global after their bank referred them to us. We’ve worked with the referring bank with many clients and the bank recommended us because of our expertise in global sourcing and our ability to help the client reap the benefits of sourcing.

Taking the client’s product specifications for the finished product into careful consideration, our China-based staff researched a variety of suppliers, and we were able to recommend reliable partners producing the material in several China provinces.

We employed our proven rating system to identify the top suppliers by marking efficiency levels, reliability and quality. In less than a week, we presented the client with four different options from different suppliers in China in our informative, easy-to-read Sourcing Report.

The Benefits

Significant Annual Cost Savings

Substantial Savings: Thanks to Mawson Global’s global sourcing expertise, the client chose a vendor that will help it experience an annual costs savings of more than $550,000.

Awesome ROI: As a result of Mawson Global’s fee-for-service model, the client paid a one-time fee for our service, but the company will reap the benefits for years to come.

Future Options

Multiple sourcing opportunities: Mawson Global was able to identify several dependable supplier options to fit the client’s needs.

Future flexibility: Because of Mawson Global’s assistance, the client now has the ability to quote on more jobs because management can concentrate on installation, not manufacturing.

Added bonus: The owner of the company didn’t even have a passport before its alliance with Mawson Global. Now, four months later, he not only has a passport, but he’s importing the materials his company needs to be successful.

Strong Loyalty to the Referrer

Instilling trust: The referring bank has had a working relationship with Mawson Global for a number of years, and provided the client with a dependable and experienced global sourcing partner it can trust. The client’s relationship with the bank is stronger now because of the assistance it provided in the global sourcing process.

Comprehensive Approach: Mawson Global provided a full array of services for this client, applying its QuickLook Analysis, Supplier Research, Supplier Visits and Sourcing Project Management.

Importing: The Productivity Booster

Productivity.  It’s essential to success. It can be elusive. And it’s the driving force behind businesses -- literally. Without it, the world would crumble and nothing would ever get done. Without it your company wouldn’t exist.

Productivity is vital to all businesses, but it’s especially important to those in global commerce. To be successful, manufacturers need to bring products to market quickly, ensure on-time delivery, provide outstanding customer service, and maintain their market share. A high level of productivity is required to accomplish all these initiatives.  

There are a lot of methods for increasing manufacturing productivity – from restructuring the workforce to reworking procedures. However, one of the best ways to up the output is by importing manufacturing machinery.

Importing machinery can make a plant more efficient at a fraction of the cost of local machine brokers. It can also be accomplished a lot faster than other methods and with minimal disruption, especially when importing fully complete sub-assemblies.

By looking to equipment suppliers in other areas of the world, manufacturers can often find a larger selection of machines, lower prices, and better customer services. However, locating qualified international suppliers can be a challenge, especially for those with limited resources to devote to the search. These limitations don’t have to prevent you from importing your equipment, though.

Mawson Global, a leader in global sourcing, has a proven method for helping manufacturers import machinery and components. Need a supplier of sanding equipment or corrugated cardboard box maker? Mawson Global can perform a comprehensive search and provide you with supplier recommendations that meet a company’s exact requirements.

With Mawson Global, the risks commonly associated with global sourcing are minimal because we have teams located around the globe. This “boots on the ground” approach means we’re familiar with the international standards, language, and culture of each of the countries we source from.

If your manufacturing company is searching for a way to boost its productivity without having to decrease it first, Mawson Global can help. Let us handle the search for your machinery supplier. With our assistance, your business can not only improve its output, but also slash costs and increase its profit.

3 Steps to Avoid Recalled Products due to Packaging and Labelling Errors

The Scenario:

The product you imported has now been distributed all over Australia and Europe and you have found  it does not meet labelling laws and needs to be recalled – at your expense!

We’ve all seen it happen before, a product gets recalled, not because it is faulty or subpar, but because a business overlooked the importance of following all rules and regulations for labelling and packaging. The question remains, how can you ensure your new product is not recalled because you overlooked a labelling requirement in another country?

Follow these three steps to ensure your business does not have an expensive product recall.

1. Find consultants in your country or the countries you do business in to draft the labels and help you understand all the requirements for import
2. Use third party inspection agents to check labels prior to shipment
3. Use a customs broker to find out what paperwork you need to import the product

Over preparing and double checking is the first step to saving time and money in the long run. You do not need to be the expert on each rule and regulation your business will face, but it is important to hire someone who is an expert.

What other precautions can you share to make sure a labelling mistake does not lead to an expensive recall?

Dealing with Production Problems in China

Have you ever dealt with production problems, sub-standard goods or an unacceptable delay? Perhaps even a project that came to a full stop without warning. Follow these tips to help overcome production problems with your Chinese suppliers.

Keep a representative or local third party inspector on site in the factory. This is the only way you really know what is going on. You need someone who protects your interests on site. Mawson Global’s on the ground team will make sure our client’s needs are understood and acted on by supplier management.

Monitor progress closely. Shaking hands typically is not enough to ensure production will move along at a satisfying pace. More importantly, if you notice a factory is not moving in the right direction for even a few days, contact them immediately and try to understand why.

Complete a quality assurance check prior to any shipment. Even if you have a small order, any set back during production may have resulted in rushed production. Overall, not doing a final inspection prior to shipping will be more expensive than getting a third party to ensure that the products fit your quality guidelines.

Most of the production issues arise from selecting the wrong supply partner.  Make sure you are as important to the supplier as they are to you!  You can do this by selecting someone who is a similar size to your company, by making the time to personally visit the factory and by involving the supplier in your long term plans.

Mawson Global helps clients by developing and implementing strategies that remove the risk of sub-standard quality and that form lasting relationships with suppliers to ensure projects are completed on time at the right cost.

Quality Sourcing Tips –Tips for China Product Sourcing

If you are buying product from China or planning to have your product manufactured in China, take the following steps to ensure you get good quality from China. This strategy is best for hands on buyers who require a certain quality standard.

1. Qualify New Suppliers – perform background checks and make sure you know who is really making your product. This should also include audits on the factories and an evaluation of the new suppliers to make sure they fit your business model. If you are sourcing small orders, the largest factory may not be your best fit.
2. Review the Purchasing Method – make sure the contract has fair terms and conditions. Some Chinese suppliers are not motivated by your next order, so your leverage is the money you still owe them.
3. Perform Quality Control – prior to placing an order, take the time to define precisely what you need and expect to receive. Do not overlook describing limits and tolerances. Furthermore, perform regular product quality inspections. This should be done before and during production as well as prior to shipment.
4. Create a Buyer-Supplier Relationship – make promises with your suppliers and keep them!  As long as your buyer-supplier relationship is good, don’t bounce around to save a few pennies. In China, business is often performed face-to-face, so rather than cultivating these relationships via email or the phone, take the time to travel and have personal meetings with your suppliers.

Sourcing can be a daunting task, but with a little patience and the desire to form a lasting relationship with your manufacturing partner, it is a great way to save your business money. What other tips do you have for having a successful relationship with new suppliers in China?