Supply Chain Sustainability

How to Build a Sustainable Supply Chain

  Sustainability is about making business decisions that protect and preserve our environment while still offering profitable products and services. It’s also about reducing waste, promoting ethical working conditions, and delivering products and services efficiently. It’s no surprise that sustainability is closely tied to your supply chain. Here, we will present our top suggestions for […]

OEM vs ODM

OEM vs. ODM in Manufacturing

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs) play a critical role in helping businesses bring new products to market. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they have key distinctions in areas such as production, branding, and product development. Here, we’ll dive into the purpose, benefits, and drawbacks of OEMs and ODMs to […]

Automation Assembly

The Benefits of Automation in Assembly Lines

Your organization’s manufacturing and assembly processes are two of the most defining elements of how profitable your organization can be. Manual assembly, in-house assembly, and outsourced or automated assembly are all different approaches, but the development of cutting-edge automated assembly systems promises greater capabilities and profitability for organizations across every industry. Learn more about what […]

Sheet Metal Fabrication

10 Benefits of Sheet Metal Fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication includes a variety of processes and can be used to create simple to complex shapes in anything from prototypes to high-volume productions. When combined with CNC machining or surface finishing processes like powder coating, it is a versatile option for any industry. Whether you choose progressive stamping, deep drawing, or laser cutting, […]

What is OEM Contract Manufacturing?

What is OEM Contract Manufacturing? Types and Benefits

OEM contract manufacturing is a way for companies to produce goods cost-effectively and with ease of scalability. If you’ve been wondering, “What is OEM contract manufacturing?” This article will answer all of your questions and cover the benefits you can expect from outsourcing to an OEM contract manufacturer. What is Contract Manufacturing? OEM contract manufacturing, […]

robots at work

Asia Manufacturing Showed Signs of Improvement in Q4-2022

ASIA MANUFACTURING COST DRIVERS REPORT Q4– 2022 (Oct. Nov. Dec.) Tracking The Trends Which Drive Costs in Asia Manufacturing Executive Summary Despite supply headwinds, labor shortages, and an uncertain economic environment, Asia manufacturing continues to surpass the expectations of recent years. Manufacturing has demonstrated continued strength in 2022, building on the momentum it gained emerging […]

Aluminum Extrusion

How Has Aluminum Extrusion Evolved Over Time?

  Aluminum Extrusion’s Evolution Since the Late 1700s Aluminum extrusion converts aluminum alloys into cross-sections for various applications. The extrusion process takes advantage of aluminum’s unique properties, such as malleability and strength. Aluminum only has a third of the density of steel, yet offers considerable strength. These characteristics make aluminum alloys easy to cast, machine, […]

What is Supply Chain Resilience?

  Supply chain resilience is identified by its ability to either mitigate or quickly recover from most, if not all, supply chain disruptions. The most agile and resilient supply chains are built to do more than just resist and recover. They are designed using processes and technologies that allow them to predict and respond quickly […]

case study

Sunless M1000 Spray Tanning System Case Study

  Background:   Following initial sales calls made in 2015 and subsequent discussions, the project to develop a new spray tanning product line was on track for 2020 development.  Then, of course, COVID hit!  However, thanks to Source International’s full Operations team on the ground in Asia, we were 100% ready to proceed as soon […]

Manufacturing Costs Moved Slightly Lower

Manufacturing Costs Moved Slightly Lower in Q2, 2022

ASIA MANUFACTURING COST DRIVERS REPORT Q2– 2022 (April, May, June) Tracking The Trends Which Drive Costs in Asian Manufacturing Executive Summary On average, manufacturing costs moved slightly lower in Q2.  Most grades of plastics, rubber, steel, aluminum, metals, wood, fuel, and shipping costs, all were lower in price while only textiles showed an increase and […]

Injection Molding Production Line

Plastic Injection Molding: The Manufacturing & Design Guide

Plastic injection molding is a highly repeatable manufacturing process used to mass-produce identical plastic parts. It is ultimately a cost-efficient method of producing the plastics we use daily, such as bottle caps, toys, and appliance parts. To begin the process, thermoplastic polymer granules are melted. These polymers, which can be colored or filled with other […]

Asia Manufacturing Costs Rose Higher in the First Quarter of 2022

Manufacturing costs trended sharply upward in the first quarter of 2022. Most grades of Plastics, Steel, Alum, Metals, Wood, Textiles, Ceramics increased along with costs for Fuel, and Currency. Only Rubber and Paper decreased in the quarter along with Freight costs which declined 4.8% from elevated levels in most of 2021. The cost of Labor was flat in most Asian countries but rose sharply in

Happy New Year – Welcome the Tiger!

Source has the boots on the ground infrastructure to deliver exceptional contract manufacturing programs that are on-time, on-spec and on-budget. Our exceptional personnel and processes, and world class facilities give us the edge to stand out in the crowd. We’ve been here for over 35 years and will be here when you need us with a program of uncompromised quality and guaranteed satisfaction.

Asia Manufacturing Costs Moderated in Q4-2021

After a promising first half of the year, the second half of 2021 proved lackluster for Asia manufacturing. Costs in Q4, 2021 moderated on lower demand and work interruptions caused by COVID outbreaks. These factors coupled with shortages of key semiconductor chips and power restrictions in China led to a decline in production capacity utilization.

Precision Aluminum Extrusions

Precision Aluminum Extrusions

Aluminum Extrusions are produced by a process by which heated aluminum alloy material is forced through a die with a specific cross-sectional profile. Aluminum extrusion parts are widely used construction, machineries, home appliance, etc. The aluminum extrusion process begins with the product design. The design of the product based on its intended use determines the production parameters. Questions regarding

Sheet Metal OEM Manufacturing

SHEET METAL STAMPING PARTS CASE STUDY

Our Customer, a leading machine tool builder in North America, has been producing various CNC lathes, mills, machining centers for decades. The company started growing rapidly after 2009, the executive team wanted to expand sources across the world in order for more diversified supplies and competitive prices without compromising quality. They contacted tens of sourcing companies in North America and later chose Source

KN95 Mask & Smock

Omicron Covid variant poses very high global risk says WHO

Protect yourself from the Omicron Covid variant with KN95 masks. With about one quarter of the American population still unvaccinated and the Omicron Covid variant threatening, all Americans, whether they are vaccinated or not, should wear masks indoors in public spaces and in places where the coronavirus is still spreading. New cases of the COVID delta variant are still rising in many states, especially those with low vaccination rates.

Standing Desk

Asia Manufacturing Stalled in Q3, 2021

Asia Manufacturing Stalled in Q3, 2021 Due to Energy Shortages, COVID Outbreaks, Material Supply Constraints, And Transportation Backlogs. Factory output in Asia slowed in the third quarter as manufacturers battled COVID spikes, worker shortages, material supply constraints, and energy shortages. Raw materials continued their upward trends for the most part and transportation backlogs compounded the global supply chain problems.

Ask The Experts at the ASD Show, August 2021

With the return of key vendors and the reimagined all-in-one shopping experience, you’ll see ASD Market Week in a whole new way. Get an up-close look at high-margin products that will pop off your shelves and boost your profits – it’s everything you’ve been waiting for.