WINTER 2023

114 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

114 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK CLASS C COMPONENTS DISTRIBUTION EXPERTS TAKE THE HEADACHE OUT OF SOURCING from page 46 VMI features amplify efficiency and allow us to get more done in less time. The Business Edge TM gives us real time access to crucial information-product trends and usage-at our fingertips. Our VMI program has the fastest order transmission speed in the industry.” - Jill Zoschke, President & CEO. Class C Components was the first company in Minnesota to use iPhone scanning technology for VMI Fastener and Industrial Product Programs. This allows orders to be scanned and transmitted to customers and our system, simultaneously before they leave your facility. Every VMI Customer is assigned a dedicated outside representative, lead and backup inside sales representatives, and a VMI procurement scanning expert. Details matter to ensure customer satisfaction and relentless service. Class C Components has grown to offer one of the industry’s deepest, most product-rich VMI Programs, providing over 100K SKUs. Unlike many other industrial suppliers, Class C Component’s customers can easily add more product groups to their VMI program. Class C Components has stayed true to its initial commitment; it continues to provide an unrivaled experience in industrial distribution. Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Class C Components leverages features in The Business Edge TM by Computer Insights to help manage and service their VMI customers. The software enables the fastest product scanning order transmission from customer locations to their facility. The system provides up-to-date, accurate supply line visibility and customer-friendly usage reports. A VMI program with Class C Components will reduce costs of accounting, freight, inventory, procurement, purchasing, receiving, and sourcing. “The experienced team at Computer Insights align with our customer-focused approach to business. The Is A VMI Program Right For You? A Vendor Managed Inventory consultation is the next step if you want to reduce costs associated with accounting, freight, inventory, procurement, purchasing, receiving, and sourcing. Over 65% of Class C Components customers are serviced on a Vendor Managed Inventory program for fasteners and industrial supplies. [1] Establish Expectations a. Determine EAU Quantities b. Release current print revisions for fasteners and provide samples [2] Prepare Your Quote a. Determine First Article Process b. Define inspection expectations for fasteners and other product groups c. Verify initial inventory quantities to be quoted [3] Assess Current Stock & Future Requirements a. Obtain on-hand fastener and other product category inventory quantities b. Create a transition plan for part transfer CONTINED ON PAGE 152

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 115 The Lakeshore Fastener Group has purchased Hodges Fastener Corporation of Traverse City, MI, to continue its expansion plans in the Midwest. Founded in 2001, Hodges Fastener Corporation is a respected, woman-owned, business located in Traverse City, Michigan distributing all types of inch, metric, and special fasteners across the state of Michigan. President Ellen Strange and the Hodge’s team have developed impressive customer relationships with many manufacturers and service organizations by providing dependable and reliable service and quality products for over 20 years. Following her father William “Bill” Hodges into the fastener business, Ellen grew up with nuts and bolts and decided to become an entrepreneur after her successful career at a Big Six accounting firm. Lakeshore Fastener Group is a member of a family of fastener distributors formed by Kevin Weidinger who is the President of the portfolio. The group operates Great Lakes Fasteners, Nut & Bolt Fastening Solutions and most recently Lakeshore Shore Fastener and Hodges Fastener Corporation. The group is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, with distribution centers in Michigan, Ohio, New York, and Wisconsin. The consortium strives to maintain the distributors’ unique identities within their local communities yet leverage the collective strength and size of the enterprise. Customers enjoy a vast inventory of standard and special fasteners plus bundled lean production services including kitting, packaging, sub-assembly, and managed inventory programs (VMI). Ellen Strange, Hodge’s President said, “Lakeshore Fastener and their people made them the clear choice to continue to serve our loyal customers. The combined organization will help Hodges Fastener Corporation grow to reach its full potential and allow us to offer our customers a broader range of products and services.” Kevin Weidinger, President of Lakeshore Fastener Group said, “I had coffee with Ellen about five years ago to discuss possibilities, and its great we are now able to welcome her company to the family. Our plan is to continue the consistent service Hodges clients have come to expect plus present them with the many new products and services that the now combined companies can offer.” “I was born and raised in Michigan, so aligning our organization with Hodges seemed like a great way to re-establish ties to the mitten while our enterprise continues our geographic expansion and drive to add talent and introduce new capabilities,” continued Weidinger. Headquartered in Cleveland (Twinsburg), Ohio - Lakeshore Fastener Group is a full-line fastener distribution company that offers its clients a comprehensive portfolio of standard, metric and madeto-print fasteners, packaging services and innovative inventory solutions. The group maintains a quality management system to the ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 standards. For more information contact Lakeshore Fastener Group toll-free at 1-800-589-4578, Tel: 330-425-4488, Fax: 330-425-4705 or online at www.glfus.com.