Understanding interplay between domestic vs. foreign manufacturing looking at pressure points such as ease of access, quality and transportation the question that rings out again and again is “Can North American manufacturers really compete on price and quality with China and Asia?”. Well MAKE consulting have been doing critical work in this area for a number of months and have the statistics ready to view.
Dan Shreve, the MAKE’s company director, is well versed in the nuances of this topic and can help both turbine OEM’s and their tier 1 and 2 component providers ascertain the economic pros and cons of domestic sourcing and how to solidify their position against growing Asian competition.
The challenges faced though to the OEM’s and their Tier 1 and 2 suppliers are tricky. They need to become increasing adaptive, showing the ability to ramp up production based on customer demand, while maintaining a high level of quality in their products. All this while fighting to keep production domestic, proving that they can not only compete with Chinese and European factories but deliver at the right cost in shorter lead times.
Suppliers are learning how to apply robust lean manufacturing strategies to reduce costs whilst they deepen supplier relations. Enjoying productive conversations not only with your immediate customer, but understand the changing needs of the utility or independent power producer will ensure that you can position yourself in the right place to make business decision on facts rather than guesswork.
In April in Detroit, Wind Energy Update is hosting the 2nd annual US Wind Turbine Supply Chain conference, building off the inaugural event that attract over 300 delegates on site. The leading OEMs are represented at the conference to establish an industry blueprint of what it takes to succeed as a trusted supplier in the North American wind energy industry.
