For example , a colour coding system has been implemented to make identification of the various grades the company stocks easy and immediate . “ The products are colour-coded on receipt for checking and confirmation ,” explains Mr Johnson , “ and this is backed up with colour- coded paperwork . The process starts in the office and finishes in the workshop , so every grade is associated with a particular colour . It ’ s a simple idea , but it works brilliantly .” Selected manufacturers with such a laser-like focus on quality , it ’ s unsurprising that INTOCO works with a small , select group of suppliers for their materials . “ Every single one is thoroughly audited and understands exactly what our demands are ,” explains Mr Johnson . “ Striving for quality requires hard work and a long-term commitment from both parties .
As a result , we work with a select , stable group of suppliers who have worked with us for many years . This creates strong relationships built on trust . While we will occasionally take on new suppliers to fill any gaps in our product offering , they must go through a very thorough process before gaining approval .
As we ’ re constantly anticipating demand for more than a year head , stock projection is key to fulfilling customer needs . Our trusted supplier pool allows us to anticipate demand and ensure the smooth continuation of supply .” Fully cash funded Remarkably for such a large supplier of highend alloys , INTOCO works entirely without any external financing . “ All
Our steel customer base includes very demanding applications , including the petrochemical , valve engineering , sub-sea , wind energy , and pharmaceutical industries . We also have customers who are aerospacequalified and require some of our materials for that sector .
of our operations are based on our extensive cash reserves , which are constantly increased to facilitate the purchasing of stock and provide services to our customers ,” explains Mr Preece . “ It ’ s very important to us that we are fully cash-funded , and it ’ s fairly unique in the industry . Having large cash reserves means we can immediately purchase what we need , get it on the shelves , and ship it to the clients without delay . This has been the INTOCO policy for many years , and it applies to both the manufacturing and the distribution sides of the company .”
The INTOCO family with a reserved , almost humble attitude , the INTOCO management team is a no-fuss , hard-working group that quietly and consistently delivers an extraordinary level of service to demanding applications . However , one aspect of the business of which they are clearly very proud is their team , many of whom have been with the company for decades . Mr Preece : “ We have people who ’ ve been on the factory floors for up to 40 years ! It is truly unique , and the loyalty of our team is heartwarming and a testament to how much they enjoy sharing this journey with us . There is so much experience and expertise within our workforce . In today ’ s world , where employees may job-hop every few years , to have people choosing to stay with us for their whole career is quite remarkable .” This loyalty is the result not just of favourable working conditions , but also of the environment in which staff operate . “ We truly are a family , all of us . It says a lot about a company when people are loyal .” Manufacturing experience =
28 PECM Issue 72