How to Start Metal Product Manufacturing in China Successfully?
China is the leading metal and steel producer across the globe. Metal products made in China are in demand, especially in the aircraft, construction, and automotive sector. Worldwide companies leverage China’s skilled labor force, fabrication capabilities, and affordable production costs. Steel and metal parts are outsourced to Chinese companies in Shanghai and Hebei.
Outsourcing metal components and products are beneficial because China has the infrastructure and facilities to deal with high-volume orders. Quality has also evolved because Chinese suppliers have started using high-tech automation and invested in R&D for enhancing their production capabilities. If you desire to start new product development then there are some things you need to consider and avoid costly pitfalls.
For example, you find a supplier with a Golden supplier badge on Alibaba.com and assume them to be safer than others. This is wrong. You feel confident because the manufacturer works for Microsoft or is on Apple’s supplier list. You can verify this info but do not guarantee anything. Therefore the first step is to find the ideal metal product manufacturer in China.
Define new product strategy
Avoid the desperate syndrome to enter the market with a new product because of concerns that competitors may get there before you. Starting to manufacture without a plan will cause most delays during prototyping or in production, which can turn out to be costly in terms of money, time, and effort.
Consider certifications needed to sell electronic products in countries you plan to sell, the kind of factor you desire to work with for initial prototyping, and even research on how to reduce market risk.
Structure a robust supply chain
Setting up a supply chain needs to identify an ideal manufacturer type as there are myriads of options. Check business registration to weed away the resellers. Never allow middlemen to obscure your visibility because an electro-mechanical product comprises multiple parts. If you are unaware of where a specific component comes from then you will have no supplier to reach out to in case of possible quality problems.
On the other hand, never control the supply chain’s every aspect. Allow the manufacturer to choose suppliers for less critical items like connectors, screws, etc. ensure to have a backup supplier on board in case the primary supplier is unable to handle the order volume as needed.
Set realistic expectations
Legal documents and agreements are not enough. Right from the start, communicate your project needs clearly with the potential supplier. No China metal products manufacturer will guess your target customers’ needs as you do.
Therefore draft product specification sheet, which is helpful to prototype engineers, manufacturing staff, purchasers, and process inspectors. Make arrangements for non-disclosure, non-circumvention, and non-use agreement applicable in Chinese court necessary for confidentiality.
Get designing & engineering right
After finding and signing a written agreement with an ideal supplier for manufacturing. For your metal products made in China project, there is a need for technical side control. Chinese engineers are experts in manufacturing and operational procurement but are vulnerable to material evaluation.
Therefore work with an experienced supply chain management company until you obtain a mature design on the table. The manufacturing process will be faster and metal product quality will be great!