This article was published in Transformer Technology Magazine.

RELIABLE MANUFACTURING PARTNERS

Demand for electronic components and transformers is surging, and shows no signs of slowing down. The global electronic components market is projected to grow by 8.5% annually over the next five years, potentially reaching a valuation of 595 billion by the year 2028. The power transformer sector, meanwhile, is not far behind, with a projected 7% growth rate over the upcoming nine years, primarily fueled by burgeoning demand in commercial and industrial applications.

For manufacturers, these trends are great news, but they may be a double-edged sword – the opportunity they present only benefits those equipped to seize it. Leading manufacturers are now recognizing the need for reliable partners that can help them meet this demand and grow their businesses.

How, though, do you find the right partner?

Here are some of the key questions you should be asking to find a partner that can help you meet this historic moment and scale your business.

Do They Have Capacity?

Capacity has never been more important, and the industry-wide urgency to match supply with mounting demand is palpable. When looking for manufacturing and supply chain partners, the question of capacity should be your first priority. Can a potential partner accommodate your existing production goals? Moreover, can they expand their operations alongside your business growth?

If the pandemic and geopolitical disruptions taught us anything, it was that relying solely on historic global suppliers has inherent vulnerabilities that can disrupt the supply chain unexpectedly. Manufacturers striving to increase production need to have the peace of mind of a consistent supply of high-quality components and production.

A partner with capacity can provide this peace of mind, giving you the bedrock you need to build on.

Are They Planning Ahead?

Selecting the right partner is not just about the present – you have to think long-term.

An ideal partner should have the ability to anticipate shifts in demand and adapt to evolving market trends. They need to be a collaborator who is invested in shaping a shared future of sustained growth and innovation.

In short, the right partner should be ready to expand with your growth trajectory. This encompasses several crucial aspects:

• Facilities: Are their facilities appropriately equipped to accommodate an uptick in demand?

• Equipment: Do they use the right technology for your applications and needs? Are they investing in cutting-edge equipment to streamline their operations?

• Infrastructure and Planning: Do they have the infrastructure and strategic plans in place to ensure seamless scalability?

Crosslink Technology, for example, has made significant investments over the last few years in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.  This strategic investment has enabled us – and by extension our clients – to augment capacity, optimize operational processes, and bolster our workforce.

Do They Have In-House Expertise?

An extension of planning for future growth is a steadfast commitment to skills development and strategic staffing. The most valuable collaborators – those that can help you level up – should always be on the lookout for ways to bolster in-house expertise in engineering, quality control, operations, sales, and customer service.

Partners with this approach tend to foster an environment of continuous learning and skill enhancement. These are the allies you should be actively seeking, as they understand that an investment in their workforce not only fortifies their own capabilities but also contributes to your shared objectives – enhanced production quality, efficient operations, and long-term growth and prosperity.

Are They Collaborative Partners?

The best partnerships thrive on collaboration and are built on a foundation of transparent communication and shared objectives. An ideal partner not only understands your customers' market demands but also shares a drive to exceed expectations in service, reliability, and performance.

Once these fundamentals are established, you can transition from mere transactions and order processing to strategic alignment, paving the way for mutual long-term growth.

With a shared long-term vision and a collaborative process, your partners can then go beyond, offering improved planning and assistance for material procurement, manufacturing time, and lead time reduction. They can create customized programs tailored to your unique needs, ensuring delivery dates are met while enhancing reliability and efficiency.

It’s also worth noting that a collaborative manufacturing partner is likely to have their own partnerships with suppliers, which not only enhance capacity but also guarantee the availability of crucial components, reinforcing operational continuity.

Where Are They Located?

In today's manufacturing landscape, securing timely deliveries and optimizing lead times is crucial. To that end, Crosslink has noticed a shift from traditional sourcing hubs like China and India, which is a reaction to the global disruptions to supply chains over the last three years. More and more companies are now opting for local partners and supply options to have control and reduce concerns about lead times.

This strategic move acts as a buffer against disruptions, ensuring components are obtained on time, and enabling smooth production cycles.

About Crosslink Technology Inc.

Based in North America, Crosslink has been on the leading edge of technical innovation for close to half a century, designing and manufacturing cast electrical transformer bushings, stand off insulators, and more than 3,000 proprietary formulations for customers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. As part of our unwavering commitment to our partners' success, we have focused on expanding our capacity, with significant investments in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which has dramatically increased production capabilities and enabled faster delivery times. It’s also allowed us to bolster our in-house skills and expertise, with a dynamic, growing team of sales, engineering, quality control, customer service, and operations professionals. Adding to our Manufacturing capabilities, we continue to forge key partnerships with global companies that share our commitment to growth, quality, service, sustainability, and reliability. These partnerships have empowered us to expand and diversify our product lines and services in response to market trends, offering customized programs and agreements that meet our client’s unique needs. Contact Crosslink to learn more about how we can take your manufacturing to the next level.

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