Is VMS the Right Partner for Your Project?

Reshoring trends and ongoing supply chain challenges have led many companies to reevaluate their business models: some expanding, others downsizing, and many pivoting entirely. As a result, businesses are actively seeking reliable manufacturing partners like Vollrath Manufacturing Services (VMS) to help them adapt and thrive in uncertain economic conditions. While we welcome opportunities from all types of new customers, we believe it’s critical for potential clients to understand that not all OEMs offer the same level of commitment, capability, or value.

Outsourcing your product or equipment to the right manufacturer can unlock long-term benefits in quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, choosing the wrong OEM can derail your project before it even begins. Success depends on a shared understanding of your project’s scope, goals, and challenges. At VMS, we focus on collaborative partnerships that prioritize smart solutions and long-term value—not just quick turnarounds. If you're searching for a manufacturing partner who’s invested in your success, here are a few key factors to consider.

What Makes Contract Manufacturing Successful?

Doing your homework before selecting a manufacturer can mean the difference between a stalled project and a profitable one. Before engaging with an OEM, make sure your project aligns with their capabilities. Key considerations include:
• Projected funding 
• Forecasted volume 
• Stage of production 
• OEM experience

“VMS excels when we connect with a prospective client during the initial design phase of their project. That way, we can insert our material, manufacturing, and engineering knowledge to maximize the value we can offer and confirm that the project is within our realm of capabilities.” 
DAN BLINDAUER, REGIONAL SALES MANAGER AT VOLLRATH MANUFACTURING SERVICES

Having this information ready helps ensure your manufacturing partner has the time, resources, and expertise to meet your expectations.

Is Your Project Funded?

Innovation is exciting, but without a strong foundation, it may seem impossible to get off the ground. We often hear from startups and entrepreneurs with great ideas and strong motivation, but without the necessary funding or development groundwork. If you're still refining your concept, we recommend working with a design firm before approaching a contract manufacturer. They can help you clarify your product specifications and prepare you for a successful engagement with an OEM.

Do You Know Your Forecasted Volume?

Understanding your volume expectations is essential. It allows VMS to recommend the right tooling, design, and production processes to deliver a scalable and cost-effective solution. Vollrath has been in the manufacturing industry for over 150 years, and we built our pedigree and professional reputation by partnering with companies that demand ongoing and consistent manufacturing services, and while we occasionally support short-term production needs, our strength lies in long-term partnerships with consistent manufacturing requirements.

“We talk to a lot of potential customers who have never worked with an OEM before. Oftentimes, they only look at the tooling costs or the piece price costs, which are often dramatically different from the price of an actual build. To get to an accurate quote on volume and price, we want to make sure we examine insights on lead times, material source, and product quality.” 
BILL ENGLER, DIRECTOR OF SALES AT VOLLRATH MANUFACTURING SERVICES

Where Is Your Project in the Production Lifecycle?

Are you launching a new product or outsourcing an existing one? Do you have a design ready, or are you still in the concept phase? Our engineering team specializes in meeting tight tolerances, stack-up requirements, and aesthetic goals, but we need a clear picture of your project to do so effectively.

If you're switching from another manufacturer, we’ll conduct a thorough discovery process to understand your challenges and determine how VMS can provide a better solution.

Does Your Current OEM Have the Right Experience?

During the initial stages, make sure you have the right staff members communicating with potential OEM partners. Involving your research and development professionals, engineers, and floor operators is essential when discussing the technical side of the manufacturing process. They speak the same technical language as the potential OEMs, so they can engage with the collaborative process.

Why VMS?

VMS specializes in custom manufacturing, tooling, engineering consulting, and made-to-order parts. Our mission is to help bring your vision to life: reliably, consistently, and with long-term value. We’re selective about the projects we take on because we believe in building partnerships that benefit both sides. If you have a strong concept and a preliminary design, we’d love to talk.