Our customer needed 11.75 X 22.5 truck wheels with zero offset, reversed centres and silver metal-flake paint. He also wanted to pay 30% less than the current price being paid to an Australian wheel supplier, who was actually importing the wheels,but could not supply the reversed centres and only in black gloss paint.
The Process:
Vic Muller scoured suppliers for a good wheel supplier who could make the reversed centres without charging US$20,000 in new tooling. The supplier was found and a sample arranged and freighted for customer approval. The final design was finalised in engineering drawings and signed off by supplier and customer.
Controlling the Quality:
Pre-shipping inspection was established using a specialist third party inspection company in China. Custom inspection documents were created by Vic Muller and a full inspection report was presented including photographic summary and the inspectors conclusions. The final release was the customer's decision.
Shipping:
Delivery was arranged as "drop ship" 40' High Cube container direct to the customer.
Cost?
The customer saved 29% off the current price and the new wheels are better presented, making the whole machine look like a better finish,. This has enhanced the status of the manufacturer's machines in the eyes of his customers
Vic Muller's recent work history includes 10 years as General Manager of family owned agricultural sprayer manufacturer Goldacres, located in Ballarat and St Arnaud, Victoria. Vic has also worked as a manufacturing consultant in Australia and Overseas and has extensive experience in equipment design, quality control systems, supply chains and supplier relationships, costing, budgeting and every other facet involved in managing a modern manufacturing and distribution company.
Relinquishing the Goldacres GM role to the eldest son, Roger Richards, in February 2013, Vic is now utilising his contacts in China, Taiwan and India to bring real savings to other manufacturers. Vic says "I enjoy the satisfaction of delivering savings to my customers but the real kick is in surprising them with quality that exceeds their expectations"
