Many companies choose to work with rubber parts manufacturers overseas to take advantage of reduced labor costs and other savings. However, the drawbacks of off-shoring production can appear quickly when something goes wrong.
For example, imagine your latest batch of product arrives from your overseas manufacturer and you discover a production error or quality issue. Because your polymer manufacturing company is in a different timezone, simply getting in touch with someone to discuss the problem can take hours, if not a day or more. Determining a solution can take even longer, since you can’t investigate the source of the issue yourself — unless you want to buy a plane ticket and spend several days traveling — and must wait for the polymer manufacturer to find something.
Even once the issue has been identified and addressed, the risk of further delays is present. Shipping from overseas takes time even under the best of circumstances, and an unexpected supply chain disruption, such as a natural disaster, strike, or geopolitical event, can add days of additional lead time. All that waiting translates directly to lost revenue.
Thankfully, there is an alternative option. Companies can avoid these risks and frustrations by partnering with a domestic rubber parts manufacturer. Choosing a domestic supplier of high-quality rubber parts allows companies to enjoy the benefits and convenience of having their polymer manufacturing partner nearby.
Advantages of Partnering with Domestic Manufacturers in the Rubber Parts Industry 
The advantages of choosing a domestic manufacturer, especially one with in-house tooling, range from the daily convenience of easier communication to high-level quality improvements across product lines. Reshoring allows companies to reap the benefits of greater collaboration and shorter lead times, and make an impression on potential customers who value American-made products.
Quality Assurance and Reliability
Without the barriers of overseas communication and expensive travel, quality assurance is far less stressful to manage. Speaking directly to quality managers via phone is much easier, and companies even have the option to visit rubber parts manufacturers in person to observe and learn more about their quality assurance processes. If a quality error does occur, it is far more practical for the customer and the rubber manufacturer to work together to address the problem and minimize any associated delays.
Improved Communication and Collaboration
One of the most practical advantages of partnering with a rubber parts manufacturer in the USA is the convenience of communication. When both parties are on American soil, key personnel are never more than a few time zones apart and can stay in touch more easily via phone, email, and other channels. This makes for smoother collaboration as well, since there are fewer delays, and shared decisions can be made more efficiently.
Shorter Lead Times
Shipping high-quality rubber parts within the United States is much faster than shipping from overseas. Compared to global shipping routes, domestic supply chains are far less vulnerable to disruptions and delays caused by natural disasters, geopolitical circumstances, worker strikes, and other events, which also contributes to shorter lead times.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Choosing a domestic manufacturer can help companies earn more business. Domestic manufacturers employ American workers, which puts money back into local economies. When more companies choose rubber parts manufacturers in the USA, it creates more jobs for American workers and supports more American families. Many businesses and consumers make purchasing decisions based on where the product is made and strive to support businesses that prioritize American workers.
Another value-based benefit of reshoring is a reduced carbon footprint. Domestic shipping consumes far fewer resources than overseas shipping, which is tremendously important to many businesses and consumers. Opting for a domestic supply chain can help companies win the business of sustainability-minded customers — and serve their own environmental initiatives as well.
Partner with Universal Polymer & Rubber
Universal Polymer and Rubber (UP&R) is a domestic rubber parts manufacturer that is proud to operate entirely on American soil. Our quality-centric manufacturing facilities are staffed by American technicians who have years of hands-on experience and can help you make strategic decisions regarding material choice, manufacturing method, finishing, and other variables that can impact the quality and performance of your final product.
Enjoy the countless benefits of choosing a polymer manufacturing company in the USA and partner with UP&R. Contact us today.