Today, OEMs are facing mounting pressure to deliver more with less. Global competition, fluctuating raw material costs, and complex supply chains mean every dollar matters in manufacturing. Yet, cost reduction cannot come at the expense of quality, safety, or performance. That’s where true optimization comes in to streamline processes, reduce waste, and maximize savings across the entire product lifecycle.
At Fast-Rite International, we specialize in helping OEMs turn cost pressures into opportunities. By combining engineered solutions, supply chain optimization, and world-class quality standards, we empower manufacturers to achieve significant component cost savings without compromising on performance. This guide will give you ideas for optimizing your process to save time and money.
Engineered Solutions for Optimized Spend Management
Cost savings begin with engineering. While some OEMs accept component designs as fixed, the reality is that there are opportunities to refine every part. We use a strategic focus on value engineering and design optimization to help OEMs unlock efficiencies that ripple throughout their operations.
Our engineered solutions for OEMs can capture sustainable cost advantages that competitors relying solely on price negotiations cannot match. Here’s how:
Value engineering that
reduces material usage
By analyzing form, fit, and function, our team identifies ways to minimize unnecessary materials while preserving or even enhancing performance. A single adjustment to part thickness or geometry can lead to thousands of dollars in annual savings.
Part standardization that
simplifies procurement
Managing countless part numbers creates inefficiencies. We collaborate with OEMs to consolidate SKUs, eliminate redundancy, and adopt standardized parts wherever possible. The result is lower purchasing costs, streamlined assembly, and leaner inventory management.
Design for
manufacturability
Lean manufacturing for OEMs begins in the design phase. Components that are easier to manufacture, assemble, package, and ship save time on the production floor and minimize handling costs. These efficiencies add up to meaningful cost reductions across large production runs.
Lifecycle
optimization
Cost savings extend beyond the purchase price. We help OEMs engineer solutions that reduce maintenance requirements, extend service life, and enhance energy efficiency. Long-term savings and improved product reliability quickly offset the upfront investment.
Collaborative engineering
partnerships
Instead of reacting to cost pressures, OEMs gain more value by working side by side with suppliers early in the design process. This proactive collaboration ensures that cost, quality, and manufacturability are built into the component from the very beginning.
Components & Beyond: A Comprehensive Look at Supply Chain Solutions
Components may be small, but their impact on OEM cost reduction strategies is massive. A single product can use hundreds or even thousands of components, making sourcing, logistics, and inventory management critical cost drivers.
At Fast-Rite, we take a comprehensive approach to supply chain optimization for OEMs:
Many OEMs work with multiple suppliers for fasteners, stampings, castings, and assemblies. This increases administrative costs and complicates logistics. By consolidating suppliers through Fast-Rite, manufacturers benefit from simplified purchasing, stronger vendor relationships, and better volume pricing.
Vendor consolidation
Carrying excess inventory ties up capital, while shortages risk costly downtime. We implement vendor-managed inventory (VMI) and just-in-time (JIT) delivery programs so that the right parts are available exactly when needed. This balance reduces waste and improves cash flow.
Inventory management programs
Our global network allows OEMs to access cost-competitive components from around the world, while our domestic support provides fast response times and reliable service. This hybrid model minimizes risk and maximizes value.
International manufacturing and supply base with local support
Beyond supplying individual parts, we offer kitting and sub-assembly solutions that reduce labor costs and improve efficiency. Delivering components pre-sorted and ready for assembly saves time on the line and reduces the risk of errors.
Kitting and sub-assembly services
Cost savings don't just come from better pricing; they also depend on better decisions. With advanced demand planning, tracking, and reporting, we give OEMs clear insight into part usage, order patterns, and inventory levels. That data fuels smarter planning and more accurate forecasting.
Data-driven supply chain visibility
Certifications and Quality Assurance
Driving cost savings never means cutting corners. In fact, ensuring consistent quality is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs in the long term. Rework, warranty claims, and downtime due to component failure often cost far more than the parts themselves.
Fast-Rite is committed to world-class quality management, with certifications and quality processes that include:
- ISO 9001:2015. Our quality management system is designed for continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
- PPAP and traceability systems. Full documentation and traceability give OEMs confidence in every component we supply.
- ISO 14000 (in progress). We are in the process of obtaining ISO 14000 certification, demonstrating our commitment to environmentally sustainable operations.
- IATF certification. We have IATF-certified products available for automotive customers.
We value quality assurance as much as certifications. Our rigorous testing, inspection, and validation processes guarantee that every part meets strict performance requirements.
By preventing defects before they reach the line, we help OEMs avoid costly disruptions and protect their brand reputation.
Serving Key Industries: Tailored Solutions for Diverse Markets
No two industries face the same challenges. That’s why we tailor our OEM cost reduction strategies to meet the unique needs of each market we serve. By aligning our engineered solutions with industry-specific demands, we deliver measurable component cost savings across diverse markets.
Here are some of the key industries we serve:
Appliances
Appliances
Appliance brand reputation depends on consistent quality. Our engineered components and assemblies help manufacturers deliver reliable products while reducing unnecessary costs in the supply chain.
Automotive
Automotive
With high production volumes and stringent quality standards, automotive OEMs benefit from engineered components, vendor consolidation, and lean manufacturing practices that keep costs under control without sacrificing safety.
Electronics
Electronics
Fast-moving electronics manufacturers need precision components and agile supply chains. We provide engineered solutions that meet exact specifications while ensuring timely delivery in competitive markets.
Marine
Marine
The marine industry needs robust components that perform reliably in remote, harsh environments with limited maintenance capabilities. We supply marine-grade parts and adapt our optimization strategies to meet the strict requirements of this sector.
Heavy equipment and industrial machinery
Heavy equipment and industrial machinery
For industries where durability is crucial, we provide robust components and inventory solutions that keep equipment operating smoothly with minimal downtime.
The Fast-Rite Advantage: Why Choose Us Over Competitors?
Many suppliers promise low prices. At Fast-Rite, we deliver true optimization—savings that go beyond per-part costs and extend throughout your operations. Here’s what sets us apart:
We are the OEM Optimizer™
Our process is built around identifying inefficiencies, engineering better solutions, and delivering measurable results.
Comprehensive service offering
From design and sourcing to logistics and quality assurance, we provide end-to-end solutions that reduce complexity and costs.
Proven track record
For over 30 years, we've partnered with OEMs across industries to implement supply chain optimization strategies that deliver lasting value.
Customer-first approach
We see ourselves as an extension of your team. Our engineers and supply chain specialists collaborate directly with your teams to solve problems and uncover saving opportunities.
Global reach with local service
Our international manufacturing and supply base is backed by U.S.-based service and support, giving OEMs confidence in both our value and responsiveness.
Where competitors may focus only on price, Fast-Rite delivers sustainable cost savings through a combination of engineered solutions, lean supply chains, and uncompromising quality. For OEMs, cost savings aren’t about finding the cheapest part. They’re about finding smarter ways to engineer, source, and manage components that lower total costs while improving reliability. Fast-Rite’s OEM Optimizer™ approach is designed to do exactly that.
If you’re ready to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and secure lasting savings across your supply chain, our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more or request a quote.
