Tier one supplier to the automotive industry
Auto Fasteners Ltd was formed in 2007. Our initial aim was to satisfy the demand from automotive OEMS for a more flexible and cost effective approach to the aftermarket supply of fasteners. This has since developed into a global supply service of fasteners and small parts for aftermarket and serial production line for both passenger cars and commercial vehicle OEM manufacturers and their 1st Tier supply chains.
The Automotive Aftermarket Challenge
The automotive aftermarket was seen as a difficult and complex area with often unpredictable and long term needs for product to be supplied often in both individual component and kit form. The large multinational fastener manufacturers supplying the OEM and 1st Tier production lines consistently fell short of meeting the specific needs of aftermarket supply. Auto Fasteners saw unreliable volume predictions, stockholding, kitting often including 3rd party product, bagging, branding and labelling all causing problems for companies better suited to high volume scheduled production. This often resulted in poor service quality and a high cost of aftermarket supply which negatively impacted on the OEMS reputation and vehicle residuals.
The AFL Aftermarket Solution
The Auto Fasteners solution was simple, to move the supply chain away from the large inflexible volume manufacturers to smaller more flexible manufacturers then manage them through a central quality, stockholding and distribution centre. By being able to multi-source globally costs were kept down and through central management service levels increased significantly. The solution was simple, elegant and effective.
AFL Small Parts & Serial Production Line Supply
Auto Fasteners now benefits from working with some of the World’s leading automotive manufacturers of both car and commercial vehicles. From initially supplying only fasteners, Auto Fasteners have expanded into supplying a wide range of other small components and sub-assemblies. Now with a proven and established high quality global supply chain, Auto Fasteners is now actively supplying direct to automotive OEM serial production lines as well as aftermarket supply.
The Future Of Auto-fasteners Ltd
Auto Fasteners is going from strength to strength with carefully controlled expansion to ensure quality of product and service is maintained at all times. The business model has proven to be a major benefit to Auto Fasteners OEM and 1st tier customers. They are able to reduce the number of suppliers, reduce cost and improve service whilst still maintaining the highest quality standards. The UK warehouse, logistics and quality control centre has grown significantly in recent years, yet by using the latest technology and IT systems overheads have been kept to a minimum and service levels improved. The future looks very good for Auto Fasteners as we continue to tackle our customers most difficult supply challenges and provide them with fast and effective solutions.