Case study

Supplier identification and qualification for welded machine frames.

Project Overview

A mid-sized mechanical engineering company from Germany (Bayern) required additional manufacturing capacity for welded machine frames with CNC-machining. Given the positive feedback about suppliers from Poland, they decided to focus on that market.

The existing supplier:

  • was operating at full capacity
  • was unable to respond to short-term demand increases
  • had very limited capacity for the machining of larger welded frames.

The company needed to identify and qualify alternative suppliers capable of meeting technical and production requirements.

Project Objectives

✔ identify suitable suppliers
✔ ensure required welding quality
✔ secure additional production capacity
✔ reduce dependency on a single supplier
✔ stabilize delivery performance

Scope of Responsibility

  • technical evaluation of production requirements
  • supplier identification in Poland
  • management of RFQ process
  • on-site supplier evaluation
  • support during supplier implementation

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Project Execution

The project was carried out in several structured stages.

  1. Technical Analysis

Initial review of:

  • technical drawings
  • welding requirements
  • material specifications
  • dimensional requirements

Clear technical requirements were defined before contacting suppliers.

  1. Supplier Identification

Potential manufacturers were identified based on technical capability and production profile.

Result: 10 potential suppliers identified.

  1. RFQ Process

Structured quotation requests were issued. Included: technical documentation, commercial requirements, delivery expectations.

Result: 6 complete quotations received.

  1. Supplier Evaluation

Shortlisted suppliers were visited on-site.

Key areas evaluated:

  • welding and machining capability
  • machinery and equipment
  • quality control procedures
  • production organization

Result: 3 qualified suppliers selected

  1. Implementation Support

Support during: initial order placement, technical clarification, production start-up.

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Project Results

✔ 3 new suppliers successfully implemented
✔ additional production capacity secured
✔ improved delivery flexibility
✔ reduced dependency on a single supplier

Value Delivered

Through structured supplier sourcing and qualification:

✔ supply risk was reduced
✔ delivery performance improved
✔ supplier flexibility increased
✔ production stability enhanced