Being committed to customers is something that every business, from big box retail to local coffee plants, touts as their highest priority. It’s no secret that customer service has become of utmost importance for business success, especially as the internet is increasingly empowering customers with reviewing platforms like Yelp, Angie’s list, or Merchant Circle. One major way that customer service can be seen in the manufacturing industry is the concept of Just-In-Time delivery.
Just-In-Time is a business philosophy, the inception of which is largely attributed to the Japanese auto maker Toyota, and is a primary practice associated with lean manufacturing. Just-In-Time is a logistics technique that aims to control inventory in such a way that reduces or eliminates the warehousing of unnecessary product, but maintains an accurate and predictive schedule of supply so that the proper amount of product reaches the proper place “just in time”. This streamlining of inventory can reduce lead times, cut down on expensive warehousing needs, and limit overproduction and overstocking, so that many businesses are protected. What is required for an effective system, however, is a vendor that has the utmost concern for quality control, and the means to deliver the product on the precise schedule determined by the data collected.
In both of these, Keats can be seen to have a strong and ongoing commitment. Originally opened as a storefront plant in northwest Chicago, our dedication to provide our customers the best quality products on the best schedule has necessitated lots of expansion, and the opening of not just one, but two new locations. Keats Southwest and Keats Coastal Stamping serve not only as indicators of our expanding business, but also as brick-and-mortar monuments to our dedication to exceptional service. Our ISO 9001:2008 and 16949:2009 certifications also speak to our pursuit and achievement of the highest quality standards.
As innovators and the best business minds find new ways to build better businesses, you can be sure Keats will be here implementing and adapting our best practices to the needs and benefits of our clients. Within custom manufacturing, you’ll not find better customer service than with Keats.