Case Study: Radiator Cap Supply for a spare parts retailer in East Africa
Source:Case /
Time:2026-09-18
Radiator Cap for A spare parts retailer in East Africa
A spare parts retailer came to us with a radiator cap programme for East Africa. The brief was ordinary and unforgiving at the same time: a fixed launch window, a landed cost that had to survive freight and duty, and a part that had to match an existing sample. This case records what was specified, what went wrong in sampling and how the bulk order landed.
The starting point
- Reorders that did not match the approved sample
- A supplier who changed material without saying so
- Lead time that slipped twice before bulk started
What was specified
| Part | Radiator Cap |
|---|---|
| Client | A spare parts retailer |
| Market | East Africa |
| Volume | 20,000 pieces across 6 specifications |
| Base material | EPDM Rubber |
| Sampling rounds | 3 |
| Delivery window | 6 weeks from PO to ex-factory |
| Compliance | IATF 16949 |
How it was resolved
- The specification was rebuilt around EPDM Rubber and the tolerance locked before bulk.
- A pre-production sample was approved and kept as the golden reference.
- Production ran with in-line inspection and a mid-run photo report.
- Cartons were packed to the client's own barcode and ratio specification.
- Documentation shipped with the goods instead of after them.
Result
- 20,000 pieces delivered inside the 6-week window.
- Unit cost held within 1.5% of the original quotation.
- Inspection-related rejection stayed under 1.0%.
- The specification is on file, so reorders reproduce the approved sample.
What we would repeat
Keep one accountable owner on both sides. Most delays come from hand-offs, not from machines.
Planning something similar?
Ask for the current catalogue and the specification sheet for this line.
