From Supplier to Strategic Partner

OEMs across the United States are undergoing a transformation, or at least, they should be. As customer expectations shift, so too must the role OEMs play in delivering value. Today’s clients aren’t just looking for a supplier to fulfill an order; they’re looking for a partner who can help them navigate complexity, reduce risk, and bring smarter solutions to the table.

Increasingly, manufacturers are expected to offer more than just parts: they’re expected to provide insight, flexibility, and end-to-end support. From tighter delivery timelines to cost-saving strategies and design collaboration, the bar has been raised. And for OEMs that want to stay competitive, the ability to act as a true extension of the customer’s team is no longer optional—it’s essential.

What Separates a Supplier from a Partner

At Vollrath Manufacturing Services, we believe the term “supplier” doesn’t fully capture the depth of what we offer. Our team works closely with clients from the earliest stages of a project through final delivery, offering guidance, engineering insight, and operational support every step of the way. We’re not just fulfilling orders—we’re helping shape outcomes.

This level of involvement is especially valuable for complex projects, where early collaboration can significantly improve part design, manufacturability, and long-term performance. Clients often come to VMS because they need more than a vendor—they need a manufacturing partner who can help refine their ideas and ensure the final product meets both functional and financial goals.

Delivering a Superior, Streamlined Experience

Because VMS fulfills both supplier and partner roles, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver a seamless, cost-effective manufacturing experience. Our in-house capabilities allow us to eliminate many of the inefficiencies that come with fragmented supply chains or outsourced services. We offer:

• Engineering Design Consulting to optimize products for manufacturability
• Manufacturing Capabilities including deep draw stamping, custom tooling, anodizing, and more
• Support Services such as project management, inventory planning, and logistics coordination

This integrated approach allows us to have honest, realistic conversations with customers about what it takes to manufacture their product successfully. We spend time upfront refining the design and production plan, which helps us identify potential challenges before they become costly delays. By working with VMS from the beginning, customers benefit from a smoother process, better communication, and fewer surprises.

In contrast, companies that work with smaller job shops or fragmented service providers often face longer timelines and higher costs. These shops may lack the resources to offer efficient solutions or require multiple handoffs across the supply chain, which can introduce delays, miscommunication, and added shipping expenses.

Why Domestic, Full-Service Manufacturing Matters More Than Ever

The global manufacturing landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Rising transportation costs, supply chain disruptions, and communication challenges across time zones have made international sourcing more complex and less predictable. As a result, many companies are turning to domestic manufacturers with full-service capabilities—like VMS—for greater control and peace of mind.

By keeping design, production, and finishing services under one roof, VMS helps customers reduce risk, improve lead times, and maintain consistent quality. This is especially important for projects with tight tolerances, high design criteria, or regulatory requirements. When everything is handled in-house, there’s less room for error—and more opportunity for innovation.

Adapting to Change, Together

With over a century of manufacturing experience, VMS has worked with clients across a wide range of industries and project types. That depth of experience allows us to anticipate challenges and proactively address them. But we don’t rely on past success alone—we continuously track market trends and industry shifts to ensure we’re offering the most relevant, up-to-date solutions.

We understand that staying adaptable is key to building strong, lasting relationships. Our team is committed to evolving alongside our customers, offering the support and insight they need to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.