Fasteners assume vital role in modular manufacturing process

Manufacturing modular structures requires the meticulous assembly of quality parts right down to the smallest detail. Accordingly, fasteners and hardware merit as much consideration as any other components.
  Manufacturers certainly have many fastener and hardware suppliers from which to choose. This may explain why some manufacturers regard fasteners as commodity purchases, neglecting to adequately research the market for reliable suppliers. Too often, poor quality and back orders can hamper manufacturing efforts and in today's highly competitive marketplace, no manufacturer can afford the slightest setback.

Spotlight on American Bolt & Screw

Over the years, American Bolt & Screw has earned a reputation as one of the premier suppliers of fasteners and hardware to the manufactured housing industry. The company serves manufacturers of both residential and commercial structures. ABS is headquartered in Ontario, California and has additional warehouse locations in Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, Indiana, and Georgia.


ABS headquarters - Ontario, California

   ABS has been serving manufacturers for more than 60 years, and more than half of ABS' sales and professional employees have remained with the company for more than a decade. This longevity is a key factor in creating the company's can-do spirit.
   Henry Quint, vice president of purchasing at Holmes Building Systems, in Robbins, N.C. has been acquiring fasteners from American Bolt & Screw since 1991, when he worked in the recreational vehicle industry in California. In fact, Quint loyally remained with ABS when he held purchasing positions in Virginia and Idaho.
   Quint said that he appreciates the independent and knowledgeable problem-solving capabilities that ABS offers. "ABS responds to my requests immediately," he said. "It doesn't take Congress to get something changed.
   "Their level of commitment exceeds their customers' expectations."
   Holmes Building Systems was founded more than one year ago and serves the modular housing market. The company offers more than 100 years of collective experience in the housing industry.

Quality rated as "outstanding"

Joan Hoag, materials manager for Silvercrest Western Homes Corp. in Corona, Cal., said, "ABS has been an excellent supplier for us for more than a decade."
   Silvercrest produces approximately 1,800 medium to high-end residential homes annually, as well commercial buildings and park models. The company markets to developers and dealers throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico.
   Hoag said, "ABS delivers outstanding quality and they help us in all phases of our manufacturing. We've never had a problem that they couldn't resolve."


ABS quality control lab - Ontario, CA

   The ABS quality control department has invested nearly $500,000 in test equipment alone. ABS certifies its fasteners with dimensional testing, torsional testing, drill-speed testing, and visual testing. If technical assistance is required, the ABS quality control manager visits companies from coast to coast for troubleshooting and consultation.

High praise for customer service capabilities

Tommy McCool, purchasing manager at Modtech in Glen Rose, Tex., gives high marks to ABS customer service. "From the lady who answers the phone to their outside salesmen to the managers inside, I'd rate them all number one," he said. McCool has been purchasing supplies from ABS for seven years.
   "ABS took initiative from day one," McCool said. "They did a full inventory, located items we weren't using, and eliminated things I didn't need.
   "They are constantly going out of their way for us."
   ABS customer service extends to a number of value-added services, including vendor-managed inventory, bar-code labeling, data scanning, custom packaging, and kitting. Modtech is a leading manufacturer of modular buildings in the U.S. with substantial product and geographic diversification throughout the Southwestern states. The company builds and sells a variety of commercial modular buildings and structures, including relocatable classrooms, army barracks, portable docks, concrete floors, office complexes, portable laboratories, and gaming casinos.


Six strategically located warehouses across the USA
stock more than $8 million in inventory.

Each request creates an opportunity to excel

John Flowers, purchasing manager at Magnolia Homes in Gering, Neb., initially expressed misgivings about purchasing supplies from ABS, since its nearest location is in Arlington, Texas, nearly 1,000 miles away.
   "I needed to make a switch since I was having serious back-order problems with my previous supplier," Flowers said. "But I needed assurance that ABS would be able to deliver on time."
   The ABS solution? Renting a storage shed a few blocks from Magnolia Homes to maintain back-up inventory. According to Dave Wallner, ABS general manager, "There is nothing too unreasonable for someone to request. We pride ourselves on doing whatever it takes to serve customers' needs."
   "If we're running low on parts," Flowers said, "we just pull a box out of our storage facility. And ABS ships new orders the day they receive them."
   Magnolia Homes has built manufactured homes at the same location for more than four decades. The company has been independent for the past six years and serves homebuyers in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska.
   Flowers has purchased fasteners and hardware from ABS for over four years. "I feel totally confident in them," he said. "They're definitely a quality A-1 company."
   For more information on American Bolt & Screw, call 1-800-325-0844 or visit absfasteners.com