Program Development
Fairway Products developed programs for product development and managed Steelcase’s tier two and three vendors.
Streamlining Steelcase’s Supply Chain and Elevating Product Quality with Fairway Products
Summary
For over two decades, Fairway Products has been an invaluable partner to Steelcase, a leading office furniture manufacturer, offering more than just sewing services. As a comprehensive solution provider, Fairway expertly manages Steelcase’s complex supply chain, reduces its vendor pool, and accelerates product time-to-market through seamless integration and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. Their collaboration epitomizes the importance of choosing the right partner for specialized needs, resulting in optimized processes, cost efficiencies, and high-quality end products that have helped solidify Steelcase’s position as a market leader.
Project Specifications
Uses and Applications
Steelcase, a premium office furniture manufacturer, has a constant need for high-quality, soft goods products that meet specific design and performance criteria. By partnering with Fairway Products, Steelcase aimed to simplify its vendor management and optimize its supply chain to achieve faster product development and deployment. The collaboration resulted in Steelcase reducing its number of vendors from thousands to hundreds, streamlining processes and ensuring high-quality products.
Scalability of the Project
Fairway Products has worked with Steelcase for over 20 years to provide customized solutions for cut and sew manufacturing needs and vendor management. Throughout this relationship, Fairway has not only delivered on sewing requirements but also warehoused materials and shipped finished products on an as-needed basis. The flexibility of Fairway’s supply chain management has allowed Steelcase to bring products to market faster and more efficiently.
Manufacturing Process
CNC Fabric Cutting
Using advanced programming machines, Velcro components were precisely sewn onto the neoprene, ensuring a secure and functional product.
Die-Cutting
Advanced die-cutting technology ensures intricate patterns are executed with precision.
Program Sewing
Fairway’s skilled operators use advanced program sewing techniques to achieve the highest quality in stitching and assembly.
Quality Control and Vendor Management
Fairway maintains a fluid supply chain by managing numerous vendors and performing light engineering of components, ensuring Steelcase’s supply chain remains efficient and cost-effective.
Quality Control Steps
To ensure high-quality manufacturing, Fairway Products adheres to stringent quality control measures throughout its processes:
Client Benefits
By choosing Fairway Products, Steelcase was able to simplify its vendor ecosystem, improve product quality, and increase efficiency in production. Fairway’s expertise in program development and supply chain management has allowed Steelcase to focus on enhancing its product offerings and maintaining its leadership in the office furniture market.
Conclusion
Fairway Products has proven to be more than just a sewing partner for Steelcase. Their collaboration has streamlined Steelcase’s supply chain, optimized manufacturing processes, and improved product quality. This partnership illustrates the significant benefits of working with a dedicated and capable supply chain and manufacturing solutions provider.
Service Inquiry
Whether you have a fully-fledged product idea, an existing prototype that needs improvement, or an idea sketched on a dinner napkin, Fairway Products is here to help bring your vision to reality.
