On the web

Modern Machine Shop, April, 2003 by Allan Sweatt

Allan (A.J.) Sweatt

Online Supply Sources For Shops

There are excellent Web sites available where manufacturing businesses can source their own materials, parts and industrial supplies.

McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com) has a huge Web site that provides access to thousands of products that address myriad manufacturing processes, including those related to cuffing tools, workholding, measurement & inspection, material handling and maintenance.

Grainger (www.grainger.com) is online in abig way, with the range of products it is known for well-represented. Grainger has also launched several utilities and services to support product location and selection, including those for metalworking, welding, lubrication, material handling, lighting and other industrial applications.

Associations In The RFQ Game

Recent developments involving online Request For Quote marketplaces and metalworking-related associations are worthy of note.

NAM Buyer-Seller Network

(www.nambuyerseller.com)--The National Association of Manufacturers has launched its online network for connecting buyers of parts and assemblies for various industries and materials (including metals) with suppliers of the same.

National Tooling & Machining Association (www.ntma.org)--NTMA has introduced a partnership with RFQ marketplace First Index (www.firstindex.com) to connect discrete parts manufacturing members and buyers using the First Index platform.

Job Shop Site Of The Month

This month's winning site belongs to Connecticut-based Fairchild Automated Parts (www.fairchildparts.com). Its recently-updated site is deserving of your attention for many reasons beyond the home page. First, the "Capabilities" presentation and categorization are simple, well-conceived and built for growth--it's obvious that more categories can be created later within this format. And the categorization also contextualizes Fairchild's work nicely for prospects visiting the site. Notice Fairchild's "Reduce Your Costs!" section--giving tips to prospective buyers as the company has is a very smart way to communicate what it does, AND show its proactive side. This site both portrays a competent manufacturing business and gives the company many options for growth online.

To have your site considered for Job Shop Site Of The Month, send your URL to otw@mmsonline.com.

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