Prior to partnering with MSC, Thompsons UK had operated a consumable vending solution, however it was not benefitting from the latest technology, software, or advanced reporting on consumables consumption.
Initial implementation of the vending solution will include three manufacturing sites: Blackburn, Croydon and Dover. The MSC team is working with Thompsons UK to analyse consumables usage, running trials and recommending the best solutions to go into the vend in order to drive cost savings.
Reducing Thompsons UK’s consumables usage by introducing more reliable, longer wearing, quality products, will enable the truck bodybuilder to work quicker through reduced downtimes for tool changes, saving money without affecting production output.
David Owen, group head of purchasing at Thompsons UK, said: “It is important for us to have a consistent and consolidated view of our outgoings, and the new vending solution and additional support from MSC will give us this. The scope of reporting on user and item consumption is truly remarkable and will allow us to effectively identify areas where we can improve our processes and control unnecessary waste. Pair this with the method in which cost-saving programmes are implemented through our dedicated MSC account managers and we can see real future benefit to our business.
Thompsons UK is not a typical MSC customer because it does not have any CNC machine tools, the supplier admits. Still, it says that it is aligned to its goals and brings the expertise, scope of supply, national coverage and latest technology to help it realise its ambitions.
Paul Fish, senior territory account manager at MSC, said: “We look forward to helping Thompsons UK get maximum benefit out of the vend, as well as driving cost savings through consumables usage analysis, product rationalisation and supplier consolidation. This will allow us to drive better terms from the manufacturers through increased buying power, showing cost savings and consistent pricing for all sites within Thompsons UK.”
MSC says it will utilise its supplier network to build new supplier relationships and offer unbiased product recommendations. Within this, MSC will also develop and deliver ‘toolbox talk’ presentations in partnership with suppliers to ensure the Thompsons UK team is fully aware of the health and safety aspects of the products they are provided with.