UK-based Alloy Wire International (AWI), which supplies round, flat and profile wire, has seen orders soar to nearly a third of its predicted GB£13 million annual turnover, with the company’s commitment to short lead times and security of supply securing a string of new clients.
AWI explains that investments in creating a strong network of sales offices across the globe are really paying off, with local on-the-ground knowledge now present in forty countries and proving crucial to building strong relationships in the automotive, aerospace, high value engineering, medical, oil and gas and nuclear sectors.
The company’s shipping department also put in place a number of contingency plans with some of the world’s best transport carriers, ensuring its material can be anywhere in Europe within three weeks of the order being placed.
Tom Mander, managing director at AWI, commented: “We’ve seen all the newspaper headlines around BREXIT and the complications it is causing, but we’re bucking the national trend it seems. Yes, it hasn’t been easy, and we’ve had to spend a lot of time and money in getting the processes right. However, the results speak for themselves with European sales up 20% over the last twelve months, underlining the importance of supply chain resilience.”
He continued: “A lot of our growth has come through our ability to meet supply requirements when we say we are going to do it. Our lead times are three weeks, and this is among some of the fastest in the industry, thanks predominantly to our investment in 400 tonnes of stock at any one time; the quality of our production capabilities in the UK; and our logistical operation.”
AWI, which operates from two factories in the West Midlands and Yorkshire, has seen similar growth outside of Europe, with the buoyant oil and gas industry encouraging a major surge in North American business. Demand for round and profile wire – manufactured in corrosion resistant and/or high temperature resistant alloys such as Inconel X-750, Phynox, Inconel 718 and Hastelloy C-276 – is coming from customers producing springs and fasteners that are used deep underground or under the ocean.
Tom concluded: “Customers in these high-tech sectors stipulate raw material from selected approved sources and the wire being manufactured to specific AMS and ASTM specifications. We adopt these practices, making it easy for customers to select AWI as their programme partner. This is further strengthened by our quality and operational systems being accredited to AS 9100 (aerospace) and ISO 13485 (medical devices).”
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
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