4 Raw Materials That All Manufacturers Should Have On Hand

Raw materials, which are the materials used in the primary production of goods, are essential for any manufacturer. When raw materials inventory gets too low, production must slow down or possibly cease altogether, costing your company time and money. In today’s economic climate, it can be more and more difficult to obtain many essential raw materials for manufacturing. To stay ahead of your competitors, always have these four raw materials on hand at all times if possible.

Energy Materials

In any manufacturing facility, having energy-related raw materials is always a must to keep production running smoothly. Typical examples of these materials include gasoline to keep equipment running, along with natural gas and perhaps coal to keep a facility’s power plant operating at peak capacity.

Nails and Screws

For almost anything that is manufactured today, various types and sizes of nails and screws are needed. Whether it is a state-of-the-art automobile, a piece of furniture, or a kitchen appliance, nails and screws are what literally hold these items together. Because these items are so essential to the manufacturing process, inventory of these items should be done daily, making sure no shortages of essential items occur.

Plastic

Just as nails and screws are some of the most essential raw materials needed today by manufacturing facilities, plastic is another raw material you should always have plenty of at your manufacturing plant. Companies like Seiler Plastics, for example, can help you determine what you need and how much it will cost. Keep in mind that running out of plastic at your manufacturing facility is simply not an option. Without a doubt the most commonly used raw material in existence today, plastic is found in some form in virtually anything and everything you use on a typical day.

Worker Equipment

Often referred to as indirect raw materials, worker equipment such as gloves, goggles, PPE, or other similar types of equipment are also essential items you should take into consideration when planning your raw materials inventory. Though technically these types of raw materials are not directly attached to each unit of an item produced, they are key components of the manufacturing process that do directly impact how quickly items are assembled and sent to market.

In today’s current economic climate, it has gotten harder for many companies to locate the raw materials they need or keep an adequate supply of them on hand. By staying ahead on your inventory needs and knowing which raw materials are most essential for your business, you can avoid shortages and keep production running smoothly.