Sandvik Materials Technology has invested in a dedicated service center with its own slitting line in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, China, ensuring that delivery times of precision strip to all customers in China can be kept to just one week. The service center will also open up options to supply other Asia Pacific markets from the first quarter of 2010. The new service center will introduce a considerable number of benefits: not only for existing customers in China, but also for those businesses considering relocation to the region, with fast response times and firm delivery dates for precision strip supplies. Sandvik will be able to provide made-to-order material at short notice, supplied locally, and facilitating fast growth of the market sector in the region. The service center will focus on finishing and delivering precision strip to customers for the manufacture of flapper valves for compressors used in automotive, refrigeration and air conditioning units. It will also supply material to other important market sectors in the region, such as shock absorber manufacturers. Improved delivery times mean customers will be able to reduce their own lead times, offering flexibility to chase new business. Equally, customers can buy just what they need, when they need it, thus reducing the risks from stock ownership and freeing up capital as well.
