More Web Sightings

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 cutting tools; workholding; measurement & inspection; material handling; and maintenance.

Grainger (www.grainger.com) is online in a big 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.

Check Out This Site
Fairchild Automated Parts (www.fairchildparts.com) is deserving of your attention for many reasons. Its “Capabilities” presentation and categorization is well conceived, and its “Reduce Your Costs!” section is a very smart way to communicate its proactive side. This site both portrays a competent manufacturing business and gives the company many options for growth online.