Leading vendor managed inventory (VMI) provider TFC, an AFC Industries company, has opened a service centre in South Wales to help manufacturers in the region ensure their C-Class components are in the right place at the right time. The new 900 m2 facility, based in Ebbw Vale, is in striking distance of South Wales and South West England industrial hotspots, meaning that TFC can help local manufacturers drive productivity, profitability and growth with its VMI supply chain solutions.
The new site’s opening was attended by Blaenau Gwent Borough Council representatives Councillor John C Morgan, executive member for regeneration and economic development, and Muhammad Forouzan, business and innovation manager. Morgan Burgoyne, president of TFC, and Craig Spencer, TFC’s continuous improvement lead, were also there to open the new facility.
With the site open, TFC can manage the purchasing, stockholding and handling of a wide range of components and products for local manufacturers. The company’s skilled team designs and operates VMI solutions bespoke to individual customers, based on a comprehensive site survey and by listening to its customers’ needs, to significantly improve production performance.
“We first came across our new site while working with a customer that was situated in the area, but it has given us the perfect opportunity to grow and expand in South Wales,” explained Craig Spencer, TFC’s continuous improvement lead. “Ebbw Vale is renowned for its industry ties and has seen an increase in investment in recent years. By setting up roots here, we’ve opened the door to a wider range of customers that we can potentially service.
“Over time we will be looking to increase the size of our team — something that is really important for us,” added Spencer. “Operating a facility local to our customers is critical so that we can connect them, via us, to our global network of suppliers and streamline their component supply.”
