Companies need more than just parts to succeed; they need tailored solutions that address both their applications and their overall supply chain. When a North American tow motor OEM wanted to improve its reinforced hose program, they turned to Timco for help.
The Challenge: Fit, Function, and Flexibility for Reinforced Hoses
The number and variety of specialty hoses, both reinforced and non-reinforced, varies widely between tow motor manufacturers. Often, there are several different hose sizes and configurations which can be used in several applications. These applications include, but are not limited to:
- Conduits for hydraulic fluid
- Wire protectors
- Ducting for air cooling and ventilation purposes.
The total number and variety of these critical components make it especially challenging for any business to effectively manage the supply chain, which supports their unique needs for reinforced and non-reinforced hoses.
Through a consistent year over year track record of quality and reliability, Timco established itself as valuable partner and resource to an existing OE tow motor client. The ongoing engagement between Timco and the client helped uncover a solution to a supply issue for custom reinforced hoses. Specifically, the client was in need of:
- Localization and reliability: The OEM wanted to find a closer source for their reinforced hoses that provided predictable regional supply, responsive communication, and inventory options that matched production cadence.
- Technical support: Even good drawings can meet real-world friction at install, making a collaborative supplier that can assist with troubleshooting more valuable.
- Packaging flexibility: The OEM had specific packaging requirements and wanted to find a supplier that could provide more flexible solutions than a standard corrugated pack-out to help them offset their costs and streamline internal processes.
Timco’s Approach: Tailored Solutions Meets Practical Sourcing
At Timco, our goal is to partner with businesses to help them find and invest in the right solutions for their parts. Timco takes a collaborative approach to address each customer’s needs, which includes the following steps for this customer.
Technical Project Review
Timco started the process by reviewing the drawings and technical specifications of the reinforced hose to identify issues and opportunities. Parts rarely take a straight path from initial design to finished products, and it’s very common for issues with fit, form, function, and material to pop up without some troubleshooting.
We worked closely with the customer to review all their specifications and make necessary changes that modify their design without starting from scratch. This collaborative technical review allowed Timco to provide detailed recommendations and solutions to improve the OEM’s part in ways that would help streamline manufacturing and assembly while keeping it in line with their budget.
Localized Sourcing Options
Once Timco provided tailored recommendations for the customer’s reinforced hose, it was time to ensure that those parts came from a local source that could cut down on shipping and logistical challenges.
Timco often works with customers to create convenient, efficient sourcing options that accommodate their internal needs and processes. in this particular example, Timco worked collaboratively with the OEM to provide regional shipping solutions that lowered shipping costs, which included an inventory management program that aligned with their needs to streamline their sourcing and manufacturing processes
Value-Added Solutions
At Timco, we don’t settle for “just enough.” We're proud to partner with our customers to offer single-source solutions to support their unique needs for custom rubber and plastic parts and components. In this example, that promise meant collaborating with the customer to help reduce waste through a sustainable packaging program.
Results: Local Reliability and Program Growth
What began as a small, separate project turned into a more comprehensive hose program. Timco’s tailored solutions paid immediate dividends for the OEM’s reinforced hose, motivating the customer to expand Timco’s services into other parts.
Key Outcomes:
- 2 SKUs grew to 10+ reinforced hose assemblies manufactured via different methods.
- Localized supply that lowered costs, reduced logistical hurdles, and improved responsiveness.
- Smaller supply chain that relies on a single partner to address multiple capabilities and allows the customer to scale as needed.
- Proactive supplier support where Timco actively identifies problems and opportunities to improve the customer’s hose program.
- More customized inventory thanks to tailored packaging options, just-in-time delivery, and value-added benefits.
Don’t Settle for the Standard. Address Your Challenges with Timco.
Looking for a custom rubber or plastic part supplier that can localize supply, provide detailed part solutions, and scale with your business?
Timco partners with businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small enterprises to supply them with the quality parts and service they deserve. Give us a call at 800-969-6242 or contact us online to get a quick, tailored quote for your applications.
