5 Key Qualities You Should Look for in Steel Suppliers

When sourcing steel for your business, the bottom line often comes down to how to find a quality product at the right price and at the right time. Sourcing is far more intricate than the mentioned. Selecting a reliable and top steel supplier can be a game-changer for your business. In a nutshell, there are 5 qualities you should look for when searching for a steel supplier.

1. Global Experience + Local Expertise

Global sourcing has unique advantages that cannot be replaced, specifically when it comes to steel. As shown in this latest steel market outlook report, China accounts for over 50% of the world's steel production. Many steel users import their supplies from China, India, and other key steel-producing countries for maximized benefits. Getting steel supplies overseas is an increasingly popular trend, especially for those who need consistent and large volumes.

That being said, it's not easy to find global suppliers who can also meet your needs from a local scope.

Firstly, the most common issue, the language barrier, comes to mind. Also, overseas companies may not be that well versed in the local market. That's why it's important to select a supplier that has local team members with in-depth knowledge about the market, preferably a local office.

CUMIC Steel, led by globally experienced management, has a culturally diverse sales team in multiple branch offices around the world. We have local offices in over 10 countries & regions including the U.S, Canada, UAE, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, Peru, Belgium, etc. with experienced traders. With the help of these local experts, the language & cultural barrier can be minimized to zero.

2. A Strong Supply Network of Manufacturers

This is a must for any business that requires a consistent supply of quality steel.

There are countless manufacturers out there, making endless types and grades of steels for various applications. However, it doesn't happen often when a supplier can integrate all these manufacturers' resources and provide an all-in-one package readily available for you.

For example, take a look at the 50 top steel-producing companies according to Worldsteel. CUMIC has long-term cooperation with 9 out of the 10 top steel mills in the world. In addition, our supply network expands to over 200 mills worldwide, including many exclusive agreements with leading manufacturers.

In addition, as an extremely versatile material, steel serves different functions in countless industries, and every steel using scenario may have its own specific demand for the material. Sometimes, standardized production and processing might not be enough for your business, and that's when customization comes in handy. Apart from exclusive agreements with top quality mills, we can also customize orders tailored to your needs, and help you get just the right type of material needed.

3. Technical Support and Market Intelligence

A mediocre steel supplier provides the basic: a steel grade that meets a minimum standard. A great steel supplier is way more than that. Although there are many reputable suppliers in the marketplace, few can offer technical advice or even application knowledge for the challenges many manufacturers face today.

What you should look for instead, is more than just a supplier, because you'll find life incredibly easier when your supplier can consult with you to address downstream operations and final application performance. A trusted steel supplier is prepared to have in-depth discussions with you to provide various suggestions and help you make the right decision for materials and technical services, rather than suggest the easiest or cheapest option.

With the right type of steel supplier, you not only find a good supplier, but also a consultant that can provide much more than the product itself to you.

At CUMIC, we have team members well versed in different types of products and downstream applications. Many come from academic and professional backgrounds of metallurgy, machinery, and have decades of experience working for top steel mills. What you'll find here, is a group of experts who know what they're selling.

Apart from the technical side, CUMIC even has professional market intelligence services.

l  We offer steel market analysis reports to our customers on a regular basis.

l  We have constant updates of industry news, data, and market insights on our social media channels like our LinkedIn and Facebook page.

For example, you can download our latest market intelligence report, Global Steel Market Outlook 2021, written by our professional team.

4. Demonstration in Consistent Quality

A commitment to quality and continuous improvement is an essential quality you should be looking for in a partnership. Your steel supplier should demonstrate a commitment to providing you with consistent, quality products that exceed your expectations. It's easier said than done, so look for their credentials to make sure they're legit.

For example, they should maintain a quality management system in conformance with their ISO 9001:2015 certification (view our certification here)

Information pertaining to customer experiences (like a customer feedback report, or the type of past projects they have participated in should be readily available.

CUMIC's commitment to quality is also based on how we handle quality control:

• In fact, over 55% of our orders have undergone strict inspection by globally known inspection organizations such as SGS, Bureau Veritas Group, and Intertek, with who we also signed a strategic alliance.

  Related links:
  High Chrome AH series slurry pumps with Motors
  What is another name for a sludge pump?
  How do I join two aluminium profiles?

• Over 1000 third-party inspection reports are provided per year.

• We closely supervise the production process of mills with sampling inspection.

    5.  Long-term Strategies

Anyone that works in raw material sourcing knows, it takes A LOT of work to select a new supplier, and it's even more of a nuisance to switch steel suppliers.

For the procurement of industrial goods, consistency is key, so look for a steel supplier that has a clear long-term strategy.

You want a steel supplier who thinks big and commits to providing long-term solutions, rather than someone who's in the business for some quick cash without consistency.

When it comes to long-term strategies, you can check out your prospective supplier's company history to see how they've evolved, and also see their visions & missions to get a taste of their company culture as well as strategic plans.

More than a Supplier: Look for an All-in-one steel solution provider.

A great steel supplier has the ability to provide a complete solution to the problem and work with you to identify the manufacturing challenges you have. These suppliers not only provide quality products, but also aid you in the manufacturing process and can help you to select the right material for the job.

CUMIC Steel has been serving the global market for over 15 years, with extensive experience in steel solutions for various sectors. With the vision to “Build the future with steel+”, we strive to build partnerships made of steel to connect the supply chain and be the agile partner who can give customers expert advice.

The pace of innovation is rising in this changing industrial landscape, and we have never stopped leveling up our services to exceed your expectations. Get in touch today to open up new horizons through dialogue, to let us be your trusted partner!

When looking for a steel manufacturer or steel plant, you are looking for someone who offers consistently reliable experiences. Here are some things to consider before you seal the deal:

Top 14 Tips on hiring a good Steel Manufacturer

1. Experience

Irrespective of the industry you work in, you must go for a manufacturer that has enough working experience. This includes experience in sheet, plates, structural profiles like a beam, angle, merchant bar, channel, and other products such as rebar and mush, pipe and tube, and grating. 

Some dealers are experienced in a specific industry. In contrast, some have general knowledge about every industry. You can look for a dealer who has more experience in your field.

2. Business Ratings

With the internet, it’s super easy to check reviews from real customers for any company.  However, be mindful of getting along with reliable third-party sites if you want to comment on the manufacturer’s credibility. 

While at it, you can even ask the company to help you with references and testimonials. Try visiting the latest project they have completed to check the quality of the goods and services they provide.

3. Company History

Research as much as you can about the company.

• For how many years has it been active?

• Was it always operated by the same group or individual?

• Have the structures provided by them lasted long enough?

• What size of projects has the company completed?

• How many clients has the company supplied?

4. Consistent Quality

The quality of the steel material is the most important factor to consider. Better quality steel will help make more robust structures. Not only should your steel supplier provide you with a quality product, but he should continuously strive to improve the quality.

5. Flexibility

Your steel manufacturing company should also be flexible and agile. With this value-added service, you will get a customized framework that works best for you. Accommodation of your unique needs will directly amplify your productivity and efficiency. They should ardently maintain a large inventory of products to accommodate your needs.

6. Competitive Price

There can be a difference between the charges of different steel suppliers. You will have to compare different manufacturers before deciding on one. While finding an affordable deal is important, don’t go for the cheapest vendor. Cheap rates will also mean cheap quality.

7. Delivery Time

You should be able to rely on your manufacturer for on-time delivery. With a fast turnaround time and 24*7 service, you will have access to the best production team. Also, a dedicated fleet of trucks can further help in on-time delivery.

8. Location

Location can also be considered as one factor when choosing a steel supplier. Shipping times can have a major impact on flexibility and lead times. Therefore, you must have the dealer located close to your site to limit transportation costs and save more time. It can also be helpful in case you have to run to and fro to check the status of your order.

9. Overall Customer Service

Your steel supplier should be dedicated to the success of your project. They should have a strong team that has kept customer satisfaction as their top priority. A team formed of dedicated and hardworking individuals can even go the extra mile to help you with the best possible service.

10. Stability

Stability is another crucial factor to consider when dealing with steel. It’s better to look for a dealer that has been in the field for a long time. This becomes even more important when you are planning to have a long-term relationship with them.

11. Building Codes

Your dealer must have ample knowledge about the local building codes. You can contact the local building official to get more information. If you hire a steel plant in hyderabad, he needs to make sure that you comply with all the latest codes and regulations.

12. Project Management

Construction is a complicated process. Only an excellent project manager can give you perfect results for you to cherish and enjoy for a long time. Also, a good project manager will set realistic deadlines and schedules. He will ensure that the project is on the right track and the end result is the desired product.

13. Product Capability

The product you need might require several processes such as welding and installation before it’s finished. If they don’t provide one-stop service, you will have to look for someone else.

14. Variety of Steel

Steel can be available in different forms and styles. Some of these are:

• Steel sheet

• Stainless steel sheet

• Plate

• Tube

• Flat

• Diameter

• Hexagonal

You want to find a dealer that can help you with a variety to fit the different needs of your project. Or you can visit the best steel factory in hyderabad.

Takeaway

Find a steel manufacturer that has most of the above-mentioned qualities to drive your business toward unprecedented success. You want a supplier who gives the best quality at the best price and at the right time.

Pro tip: Don’t be lured by unrealistically good deals that are too good to be true.