Braiding Case Study

CASE STUDY: Supply Chain Continuity & Flexible Manufacturing

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.