What's To Be in 2023?
2022 was an Incredible Year for Certified Grinding
The year started off poorly with a catastrophic accident that closed the mill of our largest supplier, Swiss Steel International (read up on our initial report of this event, and it’s aftermath effects). Fortunately, we placed blanket orders months in advance and Swiss Steel was able to complete most of our orders. As soon as we learned of the issue at Swiss Steel, we jumped into action and contracted with several other mills and distributors to ensure that our customers continued to have access to the materials they need to keep their operations running.
Swiss Steel was able to resume operations at their mill in France in late June, and continues to increase their finished goods inventory.
Raw materials were quite scarce again in 2022. Exotic alloys, such as nickel-based products, were extremely rare and difficult to acquire in 2022. Certified Grinding was able to add several new raw material suppliers throughout the United States to locate these hard-to-find materials. The company also significantly increased its own inventory levels to assure a continued supply of products to its customers.
So, What’s To Be in 2023?
Several of our customers expressed a concern about the impact of federal monetary policy on their sales in 2023. This could, in turn, affect Certified Grinding’s sales as well. In another proactive step, Certified Grinding has hired a new Outside Sales Manager. His goal will be to identify and engage new customers outside of New York State. We are ecstatic about forming new business relationships and delivering a product of unparalleled quality with a timely turnaround, and at a competitive cost!
Preparing Practically for Material Scarcity
Due to exceptional management and quality programs, Swiss Steel quickly brought their furnaces back on line following a period of closure after the aforementioned accident. They have returned to full production capacity at the mill. The company continues to ramp up inventory levels and should be at full stocking capacity mid-way through 2023.
Even with Swiss Steel returning to full production levels, some materials still remain elusive in 2023. Some of the stainless products such as 17-4, 420, and 416 condition T are difficult to locate in the sizes that we typically procure. Certified Grinding continues to identify and contract with new suppliers in order to locate and purchase these materials. Exotic materials such as n-200, n-600, and nitronic are still difficult to obtain in many diameters.
Many shops are still contending with labor shortages, meanwhile manufacturing costs continue to rise at an unprecedented rate. In short, 2023 will be a lot like 2022, but maybe not quite as busy for many shops.
Quotations for Centerless Grinding Services
Please send us a copy of the print for your parts if you would like us to provide a quote for you. We will be happy to use our expertise to design the optimal grinding process for you. We can be contacted at 585-423-0990 or through our website.
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