Hitch system manufacturer keeps supply chain in UK as part of growth plan.

Industrial and agricultural forging specialist Brockhouse today announced a commercial relationship with Bill Bennett Engineering, a leading manufacturer of hitch systems used in the agriculture sector by tractor OEMs.

The relationship will see Brockhouse supply approximately 1,000 forged hooks per year as part of an ongoing strategy within Bill Bennett to double sales over the next five years.

Part of the OSSL Group, Brockhouse secured the contract after an initial introduction by D&J Steels, another company within OSSL.  The previous supplier to Bill Bennett had ceased UK production and moved manufacture (including dies and tools) overseas.  This introduced an unacceptable level of risk into the supply chain for
Bill Bennett.

Brockhouse was able to match both the price and quality of the previous supplier
as well as provide a complete service, including forging, engineering and finishing.  Most importantly, the integrity of supply has been guaranteed and so far Brockhouse has achieved a 100% on time and in full delivery record against all requirements.

“Being closer to a supplier has the immediate benefit of direct control over the quality and availability of the parts we need,” said Tony Groves, general manager, Bill Bennett Engineering.  “Complete quality control, including throughout the supply chain, is vital if we are to compete.  This is what we are able to achieve with Brockhouse.”

“For UK manufacturers, the benefits of a domestic supplier always focus on quality,” said Chris Hutton-Penman, chairman of the OSSL Group.  “This may mean the quality of the product, or indeed the supply chain around it, but as Bill Bennett demonstrates, there is clear value and competitive advantage is close relationships with suppliers on UK shores.”