CASE STUDY: Supply Chain Continuity & Flexible Manufacturing
Client Name: Withheld
Sector: Building Services / Plumbing & Heating
Total Spend: £ 150,000 p.a.
Status: Public
THE CHALLENGE:
The Client had 3 mains issues:
- Supply Chain Crisis: The client’s long-term supplier of braided hoses went into administration, leaving them without a source for their own internal assembly.
- High Volume Requirement: The client required a large-scale, consistent supply to maintain their production lines.
- Inventory Inefficiency: Under the previous supplier, the client was forced to order bulk quantities to last 2–3 months, tying up capital and warehouse space.
THE SOLUTION:
- Capacity Creation: Hydralectric immediately increased short-term capacity by running additional shifts specifically in the braiding department to cover the client’s initial shortfall.
- Transition to Lean Supply: The team moved the client from a “bulk-buy” model to a fortnightly delivery schedule, smoothing out the production and delivery flow.
- Bespoke Products: Supply of several types of braided EPDM hose, including:
o WRAS-approved hoses for drinking water applications.
o Non-WRAS hoses for general building services.
THE RESULTS:
- Quantitative Success: Now successfully supplying in excess of 100,000 meters per year.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Reduced the client’s stockholding requirements and improved their cash flow by moving from a 3-month lead time to a 2-week cycle.
- Increased Flexibility: The client now benefits from a more flexible demand schedule that can react to their specific assembly needs.
- Long-term Stability: Established an ongoing, reliable UK-based partnership after the failure of their previous international supplier.
If you have a question about an existing order or a new project, get in touch with our team, or take a look at our flexible hose range and solenoid valve range.
Working with Hydralectric
Need a hose or valve solution for your next project?
We design and manufacture flexible hoses and solenoid valves for customers across the UK and Europe. Tell us what you need and our team will help you find the right fit.