Products & Services
August 27, 2024
MemBase in the U.S.: SWM’s Strategic Storage Solutions
SWM International, a global leader in advanced materials, has continually refined its strategies to ensure the efficient distribution and availability of its products. In an industry where reliability is paramount, SWM’s strategic investment in U.S. storage is redefining customer service standards. By ensuring MemBase is always within arm’s reach of its American customers, SWM isn’t just storing products—we are storing trust.
The Importance of US Warehousing for MemBase
SWM’s decision to establish warehouses in the U.S. has been crucial for supporting the distribution and availability of MemBase, a cutting-edge membrane backing layer. Kerry O’Brate, Regional Sales Director for America, highlights how these facilities help maintain a consistent supply chain. “Having local storage means we can better manage supply fluctuations, responding quickly to changes in demand. Being closer to our customers allows us to fulfill orders faster, even on short notice,” Kerry says.
In addition to faster delivery times, SWM’s U.S. warehouses offer the flexibility to handle product reworking, packaging modifications, and labeling adjustments directly on-site. This ensures that MemBase products not only arrive promptly but are also customized to meet specific customer requirements, which is essential for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
Maintaining Quality from Europe to the US
Since MemBase is manufactured in Europe, ensuring consistent quality from production to delivery in the U.S. is a key priority. Julien Plattier, RID Senior Manager for MemBase, explains how SWM achieves this. “We’ve developed a comprehensive system for transporting MemBase from Europe to the U.S., including top-notch storage conditions and strong partnerships with our logistics providers,” Julien notes.
To protect the integrity of MemBase during transit, SWM ships full containers and conducts thorough inspections at each stage of the shipping process. These precautions ensure that the quality of MemBase remains intact, even after crossing the Atlantic.
Addressing the Challenges of US Storage
Managing U.S. storage while producing MemBase in Europe presents distinct challenges, but SWM has taken significant steps to overcome them. In 2022, the company transitioned from using third-party warehouses to operating its own facilities in the U.S. “By bringing storage in-house, we’ve gained better control over the storage environment and can prioritize MemBase within our logistics network, which ultimately improves our service to U.S. customers,” says Kerry O’Brate.
This move has enhanced SWM’s ability to meet the demands of the U.S. market, strengthening its reputation as a dependable and responsive supplier.
Efficient Logistics and Customer Satisfaction
John Tucker, the Logistics Manager overseeing SWM’s U.S. warehouse operations, points out the benefits of having centralized inventory in the U.S. “We maintain stock at our Newberry, SC warehouse, which supports customers across North America. This setup allows us to manage inventory based on customer agreements and sales forecasts, letting us respond quickly to orders—often shipping within 24 hours,” John explains.
By reducing lead times and keeping a safety stock in the U.S., SWM is better prepared to address any issues that may arise, minimizing disruptions for customers. This capability is especially important in the filtration industry, where prompt product replacement can be crucial.
As SWM continues to refine its logistics network, the company remains dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of its global customers, consistently delivering high-quality products with exceptional service.
