While the bearing manufacturing industry might seem straightforward, there are many complexities to navigate. Bearing production requires access to quality raw materials and reliable supply chain networks. Factors like demand fluctuations, rising production costs, material shortages, and manufacturing errors can all put a significant strain on this industry. Here, we’ll explore these factors in more detail and explain how we’ve worked to close gaps in the bearing supply chain.
Complexities in Bearing Manufacturing
Bearing manufacturing is a complex process that requires consistently high-quality raw materials, both metallic and non-metallic, sourced on a global scale. Unfortunately, geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and price fluctuations create difficulties in establishing a secure and steady supply.
Recent stainless steel shortages have resulted in rising steel bearing costs. In comparison, plastic and ceramic bearings have been less severely affected by these issues.
The manufacturing methods for bearings create another challenge. Bearing production requires high-precision techniques and intricate processes that are prone to errors. Ensuring consistency across all products is difficult yet essential. Even a small deviation in manufacturing precision can result in costly defects.
Volatility in the Bearing Supply Chain
Bearings are manufactured in many countries around the world, and getting finished bearings to customers can be tricky. The global supply chain is highly volatile and subjected to numerous cost concerns, disruptions, and sustainability challenges:
- Demand volatility: Bearing demand fluctuates based on industry-specific factors and economic conditions. Overestimating or underestimating demand can easily cause inventory issues for suppliers.
- Supply chain disruptions: Natural disasters and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have made it clear how vulnerable the global supply chain is. Manufacturing and delivery schedules are easily disrupted by bottlenecks and delays.
- Cost concerns: Rising energy, labor, and transportation costs impact the profitability of bearing manufacturing. As in many other industries, finding ways to maintain quality while reducing operational costs is an ongoing challenge.
- Increased energy prices: Government policies aimed at reducing pollution, coal supply issues, and growing energy costs have slowed production in many countries.
- Sustainability issues: Customer demands for more sustainable manufacturing practices, along with new environmental regulations, have pushed many manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Yet, balancing sustainability with cost-effectiveness is a challenge for many bearing manufacturers.
Closing Gaps in the Bearing Supply Chain
Emerson Bearing is highly experienced in closing supply chain gaps to ensure reliable access to the products our customers need. We accomplish this by using multiple sources for all bearing categories and obtaining products in a range of price points.
Dimensionally, all bearings conform to an international standard. This means that regardless of country of origin or factory location, bearings of a certain type will all feature the same measurements. However, since manufacturing costs vary by region, there are several price points for the same type of bearing. By partnering with manufacturers throughout North America, Asia, and Europe, we can offer a variety of prices and sourcing locations for our customers’ convenience.
We can access even the most difficult-to-find products from our global partners and obtain them in just a few days. While many other bearing suppliers have diversified away from bearings due to sourcing challenges, Emerson Bearing continues to offer unrivaled service and expertise in this industry. Bearings represent 85% of our sales, and our team has an average of 15-20 years of experience. We help customers find the best bearings for even unconventional applications. Our product selector tool can help you pinpoint the right product based on your industry, brand, or other specifications.
Let Emerson Help You Find the Right Bearing
Having reliable access to the bearings you need at the right price is not always easy in this volatile market. Luckily, Emerson Bearing makes it simple to find the solutions you need. We use a global sourcing network to maintain an extensive catalog of bearings and bearing accessories. No matter how challenging your application is, we can help you find the right product. Get started by using our convenient product selector tool or request a quote. If you have any questions, contact our team for assistance.
