Precision dip tubes solve quality, freight issues for plastic beer kegs

Problem

A manufacturer of plastic kegs for beer, wine, hard ciders, etc., was experiencing some product variance in its dip tube, including length, OD, roundness, etc. With a shift to a more automated manufacturing process, improving the dimensional accuracy of the tubing was critical to avoid both production and performance issues. The company needed to find a supplier with manufacturing in Europe and United States that could meet its performance objectives, reduce lead time and decrease freight costs.

Download the case study to learn how:

• Freight costs cut 60 to 80%
• Lead time for European location went from 6 to 8 weeks, down to 3 to 4 weeks. Orders were delivered within in days vs. weeks for ocean freight
• Lead time for the U.S. operation went from 6 to 7 weeks, down to two weeks, with next-day delivery
• Significant inventory reduction due to improved just-intime delivery capability. Positive impact to cash flow and plant space utilization
• Piece-part cost reduction between 10 to 15 percent
• No border crossings to complicate supply chain