Manufacturing Material Handling Equipment: How to Find a Reliable Supplier
The quality and reliability of your manufacturing equipment are key to efficiency and profitability. This includes your machinery and the manufacturing material handling equipment you choose for your operations.
You need a reliable material handling equipment supplier that will take the time to understand your needs and design the optimal configuration.
So, how do you find the right supplier? Here are the key steps to choosing a partner.
1. Understand Your Requirements
There’s an industry adage that goes like this:
The most expensive mistake in equipment procurement is buying the wrong solution for your problem.
You can spend a lot of money but not get the equipment you need. So, before starting your supplier search, it’s important to know your needs.
Consider your current production volume and flow through, along with your future growth plans. Manufacturing material handling equipment is a long-term investment, so you want it to scale with your operation.
Your needs will also impact the purchase price, but you need to look beyond your initial investment. Consider installation costs, energy consumption, and maintenance requirements as well as any improvements that material handling equipment can make to your manufacturing environment. The total cost of ownership (TCO) is key when evaluating different suppliers.
2. Research Material Handling Equipment Suppliers
There are a variety of material handling equipment suppliers in the marketplace, so you will want to do your due diligence to find the right fit. Consider factors such as:
- Industry reputation and experience
- Experience in the manufacturing sector
- Equipment selection to fit your needs
- Geographic location and impact on support
- Design and engineering support (if needed)
3. The Evaluation Process
As you narrow down your list of suppliers, you should look at a potential partner’s financial health. You want a company that’s been around for a while and has financial stability. You don’t want to worry about your supplier going out of business and being unable to provide warranty work if needed.
Your evaluation should include getting references from past customers. Preferably, ask for references from customers in similar industries that have had a supplier’s manufacturing material handling equipment in use for a few years. You’ll get a better assessment of how a material handling equipment supplier’s solutions hold up over time.
An experienced supplier should have a portfolio of past projects and be able to provide referrals to satisfied customers.
4. Finding the Right Equipment
A big part of what you want in a partner is a consultative approach. So, look for a material handling equipment supplier that offers planning, design, and installation services. This can help you find the optimal configuration for your manufacturing operation.
Expertise is crucial for overcoming challenges and ensuring you get the right equipment for your organization. The best suppliers will work with you to understand your needs, including site visits if necessary.
You may want to explore buying used material handling equipment. You can often find deals on high-quality equipment that has years of life left. If you want to explore used options, make sure your supplier has access to quality used material handling equipment.
5. Compare Pricing, Delivery, and Other Services
Price is always a factor in a decision, so you will want a detailed quote that includes the following:
- Comprehensive equipment lists
- Item and package pricing
- Warranty terms
- Delivery timelines
- Support options (if desired)
Depending on your needs, you may want additional services, including stamped engineering drawings, help with permitting, facility design and planning, or specialized labor for installation. If these types of services are important to you, make sure your supplier offers them and builds them into your quote.
Finding the Best Supplier for Your Material Handling Equipment
Choosing a reliable supplier for material handling equipment is about more than just price. You need to work with a supplier that delivers quality, service, and a shared commitment to your operational success.
By following these steps and focusing on building a partnership—rather than just a transaction—you can ensure your operation is well-supported for years to come.
Conesco Storage Systems is a leading material handling equipment supplier with more than 35 years of serving customers in the manufacturing and warehouse industries. Our team of material handling experts and engineers can help you get the new or used equipment you need for your operation and guide you through the entire process.
Whether you are looking for pallet racking (uprights, beams, wire decks, pallet supports, row spacers, column guards, end aisle guards, and more), pick modules, mezzanines, cantilever racks, shelving, or specialty material handling equipment, we’re here to help.
Contact Conesco Storage Systems today at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation.
