Month: April 2024

What To Know About Contract Manufacturing

OEMs, equipment suppliers, and other companies or organizations sometimes require parts or equipment that they cannot manufacture in-house. Or the needed supplies or equipment might not be available from existing options on the market. In these cases, contract manufacturing can be a cost-effective and efficient solution.

Carolina CoverTech is a contract manufacturer specializing in products and materials that cover, protect, contain, and enclose in many industrial and heavy-duty applications. We offer RF welding/heat sealing, industrial sewing, product development, and rigid to flexible material conversions for products that are air, water and liquid-tight.

What Is Contract Manufacturing?

In contract manufacturing, a specialized manufacturer enters into an agreement with another company to manufacture components, assemblies, or complete products on their behalf. The agreement specifies the quantity and timeframe for production. Part prints, illustrations or renderings, specifications, tolerances, and a bill of materials must be provided by the hiring company and followed by the manufacturer. The contract manufacturer serves as a third-party service provider that works as a subcontractor to produce a custom product.

Contract manufacturing may include manufacturing only, or a more comprehensive selection of services may be available, for example:

• Assembly or sub-assembly
• Full product manufacturing
• Finishing and packaging
• Engineering and design support
• Prototyping and testing

Benefits of Contract Manufacturing

Contract manufacturing services offer several benefits, including:

• Optimize Cost-Efficiency and Profits: Contract manufacturing removes the need to invest in new skills, employees, equipment, or operations. A contract manufacturer reduces hiring and labor costs, and set pricing makes it easier to budget throughout the product life cycle. 
• Manufacturing Expertise: With expertise in specific types of manufacturing or materials, contract manufacturers bring insight and technical skill to projects. They may also be able to provide material or design suggestions that have a positive impact on the finished product and its functionality.
• Streamline Operations: A comprehensive contract manufacturing service can supply engineering and design support, source materials efficiently with their existing supply chain, manufacture, and assemble or package under one roof. This allows the hiring company more time to focus on product development and primary business functions.
• Scalability: Small or new businesses have limited resources. Contract manufacturing provides access to equipment and skills that are not available in-house. A partner dedicated to specific parts or assemblies also makes it more efficient to scale production up or down rapidly in response to demand or other factors.

Contract Manufacturing Applications

Companies and projects of all sizes benefit from contract manufacturing. For example:

• Small businesses with fewer resources and employees can meet the demands of producing complex or high-volume goods.
• Large production runs can be more cost-effective and quick if a contract manufacturer has regular suppliers and vendor agreements for materials.
• Contract manufacturers may offer inventory management programs to vary production based on sales or other data. This ensures a consistent supply of parts without excess.

Some contract manufacturing examples include:

• Automotive part manufacturing (i.e., OEMs and their suppliers)
• Computer manufacturing
• Food production, including packaging
• Metal fabrication, stamping, and metal forming
• Petroleum refineries and gas plants
• Pharmaceutical production
• Plastics and rubber goods
• Textile, plastic, and polymer fabric products

Contract Manufacturing Services at Carolina CoverTech

Contract manufacturing is an excellent option for producing custom components that fall outside of internal capabilities for any reason. At Carolina CoverTech, we specialize in coverings, containment products, and enclosures for industrial, medical, and heavy-duty use. Our capabilities and product lines include sewn and heat-bonded containers, covers, liners, transfer chutes, bags, and tubing. We work with a range of materials including PVC, urethane, vinyl, cotton, polyester, polypropylene, rubber, and more. 

In business since 1858, we provide high-quality, custom-manufactured products for many indoor and outdoor applications. Contact us to speak with a team member about your contract manufacturing needs.

Industrial Sewing Applications

The applications of industrial sewing go well beyond uniforms and other types of clothing. Demanding industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical depend on sewing services using durable, high-quality fabrics for purposes ranging from vehicle interiors and parachutes to instrument covers, airbags, and more. 

Automotive Industry

The automotive industry relies on industrial sewing contractors to provide a diverse array of textiles suitable for a broad range of applications related to vehicle production. Common applications of industrial sewing within the automotive industry include:

• Automotive Headliners & Carpets: Industrial sewing is used to manufacture automotive headliners and carpets, with various options available to match the style of the vehicle’s interior.
• Automotive Interiors: Industrial textiles can consist of synthetic fibers, such as nylon, polypropylene, and polyester, or natural fibers, such as wool and cotton. Automakers can choose from a wide selection of materials to complement the luxury level of the vehicle interior.
• Convertible Tops & Sunroofs: The weatherproofing and intricate seams of convertible roofs rely on specialized industrial sewing techniques and the meticulous craftsmanship of experienced sewing contractors.
• Insulation Felts: These NVH components can enhance vehicle comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency.
• Safety Belts & Airbags: These life-saving components are essential to passenger safety and rely on the precision and strength of industrial sewing for optimal performance in critical situations.

Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry has strict requirements for textiles. Industrial sewing services from experienced providers like Carolina CoverTech ensure the production of durable, long-lasting, and flexible aerospace textiles that comply with industry standards.

The aerospace industry relies on industrial sewing for the following applications:

• Balloons & Gliders: These vehicles are lighter than air and demand the precision and strength of quality sewn textiles for their durable, lightweight construction.
• Emergency/Safety Equipment: Medical supplies, survival kits, and life vests often require sewn components that must be functional and reliable to meet the demands of critical situations. Specialized water-resistant materials and stitching techniques ensure these products remain operational and intact in case of emergency.
• Interior Components: Industrial sewing services are ideal for producing high-quality interior components designed to improve the safety and comfort of passengers.
• Parachutes: Parachutes are critical life-saving equipment for pilots and crew in emergencies. As such, they are arguably the most critical application for industrial sewing within the aerospace industry.

Medical

The medical industry depends on various textile solutions for medical operations and patient care. Industrial sewing services can be used to produce the following:

• Bed Covers and Linens: Sterile mattress covers and bed linens are crucial to the medical industry, helping medical facilities prevent infections and enhance patient hygiene.
• Hospital Apparel: Soft, breathable textiles create patient gowns and other garments to ensure ease of movement and comfort during recovery.
• Medical Instrument Covers: Industrial sewing techniques and specialized fabrics can produce covers for medical instruments to prevent contamination and maintain a sterile environment.
• Orthotic & Prosthetic Devices: Industrial sewing processes are used to produce comfortable, durable straps and covers for orthotics and prosthetics to ensure proper fit and function.
• Sterile Protection: Surgical drapes and gowns utilize specialized industrial textiles treated with anti-viral and anti-bacterial finishes to prevent the spread of infection during surgery and other medical procedures.
• Wound Care Products: Industrial sewing techniques can be used to create bandages and dressings to provide optimal support for wound healing.

Industrial Sewing Services From Carolina CoverTech

Since 1858, Carolina CoverTech has been providing precise, high-quality textiles at competitive prices. Our industrial sewing capabilities allow us to conceptualize cost-effective products for some of the most demanding industries. Regardless of your industrial sewing needs, our expert team is here to help you find the right solution. 

For more information about our industrial sewing services, contact us today.