EV Manufacturer Partners with Wesco to Streamline Procurement

Challenge

One of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers faced long lead-times, missed deadlines and increased costs on the cable required for two new manufacturing campuses producing advanced batteries for electrical vehicles. The project plans specified copper 600 V tray cable for the critical equipment connections. Sourcing the cable through established channels was delayed and started to threaten the build schedules and budgets. The company turned to Wesco for help.

Solution

Wesco worked diligently with the company to understand the time and budget constraints. Next, we developed a manufacturing procurement plan to meet the goals and streamline the process. The Wesco team included our global account group, business development, project execution, strategic sourcing and Technology and Support Services (TSS) working together with our local branch, but to our client it was just one point of contact. We leveraged our broad partner network and researched market lead times to find the best supplier mix with the capacity to meet both project timelines in parallel. Working closely with the company’s engineering team, we were able to specify aluminum cable in place of copper for a portion of the project, reducing overall cable costs. We then worked behind the scenes on orders, expedites and pricing to ensure a smooth process.

At the same time, the Wesco team also collaborated closely with the company’s preferred contractors on procurement and installation. We staggered deliveries from the suppliers to Wesco warehouses and invoiced the contractors at each phase, speeding up cash flow. We also helped ensure the cable was optimized for use through our installation enhancement services. Wesco’s cut-to-length service provided more than 8,000 cuts within tight, machine-controlled tolerances, saving time for the contractors at the jobsites. Insta-Reel, Paraspin and cleanroom reel cable dispensing solutions eliminated the need for jack stands and arrived at the jobsites ready to pull. They were dedicated to the projects and rotated between the two jobsites, speeding labor, reducing waste and supporting worker safety. Wesco’s cleanroom reel built with all-metal, non-absorbent components was utilized in the EV cleanroom areas to prevent air pollutants and reduce the risk of product malfunction or failure.