Distribution Supply Chain
From manufacturers, to processors, fabricators and distributors, the plastics distribution supply “game” involves a myriad of different players, all with the ultimate goal of getting a particular product to a customer.
The following are just a few of the types of players typically involved in the distribution supply chain.
Manufacturer
These are the supplier and extruder of plastic materials and shapes (sheets, rods, tubes, profiles, pipe, valves and fittings). They create sheet, rods, tubes and pipe, valves and fittings and other semi-finished parts.
Distributor
A distributor is a company that is involved in the stocking and wholesale distribution of inventory from plastics manufacturers. Distributors can also act as fabricators.
Processors/Fabricators
These companies engage in downstream processing of plastic sheet, rod, tube, film, pipe, values and fittings or film conversion. Processors and fabricators can bend, machine, weld or bond stock plastic. Fabricators cut and shapes plastics to certain sizes and can sometimes act as distributors.
Associated Products and Services
Other companies may engage in the manufacture or distribution of associated products, machinery and services that plastics distributors and manufacturers may use.
How You Can Win in the Distribution Supply Chain “Game”
If you are an end-user of engineering plastic products, EPDA distributors and processors are the ideal source for all your plastics needs. They are knowledgeable about a vast range of materials and they stock products from multiple manufacturers to help you select the right material for each application.
Whether they are manufacturers, distributors or processors/fabricators, EPDA members are distinctive in that they have chosen to join an association that prioritizes growing the plastics industry as a whole – to the benefit of all the links along the chain.
For the best services available, contact an EPDA professional in your area.