GLOUCESTER, UK – A new long-term agreement (LTA), between automotive systems manufacturer, Dura Automotive Systems, and Optimas, a global industrial distributor and service provider, has reinforced the further expansion of a growing business partnership. Both companies are already working together in Europe, but the recently signed agreement displays new intent between the businesses towards further streamlining Dura Automotive Systems’ component supply chain within this region.

Optimas is a global provider of fastening and supply chain solutions; expertise that has seen the company support a wide range of high profile OEM manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers. One of these customers is Dura Automotive Systems – with Optimas working to consolidate the supply chain, specify suitable components and define a clear fastener policy for the business. After years of conducting this activity successfully, the new benefit heralds a wider implementation of this approach. Optimas will now be offering further support to existing services and managing additional supply operations for Dura Automotive Systems facilities in Europe.

Dura Automotive Systems offers an extensive range, incorporating vehicle control systems, exterior trim, structural vehicle systems, interior products and windows. The business focusses on continuous improvement, centering on reducing weight, promoting performance and increasing safety. This philosophy has seen Dura Automotive Systems become a key player in the automotive and transport sectors, with a range of premium customers who cumulatively represent the majority of the industry.

As an accomplished global Tier 1 automotive systems supplier to OEM manufacturers, Dura Automotive Systems operates to stringent delivery timescales, with any small component shortage resulting in downtime on the production line. A clear methodology from initial purchase to the final point of use regarding fasteners is, therefore, vital – a clarity of approach that defines Optimas’ service. With Dura Automotive Systems operating 36 facilities in 15 countries – the importance of fastener supply efficiency is brought into sharp focus.

The expansion of the relationship has been enabled by several factors. First, Optimas offers a single point of contact for all fastener applications, consolidating every external supplier into a fully integrated framework. This offers reduced logistical costs and increased inventory efficiency. Optimas is able to liaise with Dura Automotive Systems’ purchasing and development teams to help specify fasteners to engineering standards that also simultaneously minimize the Bill of Materials (BoM). By operating a global component portfolio, Optimas has the capability to service Dura Automotive Systems’ requirements over multiple European facilities. This combination of complete supply management, close contact with Dura Automotive Systems’ engineers and the capacity for expansion meant that the new LTA was a logical step for both businesses.

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Patrick Mathais, Commodity Purchasing at Dura Automotive Systems commented: “This agreement extends our relationship with Optimas, who we already know as a proven, reliable supplier. Increased reliability of supply allows us to operate a lean supply methodology, whether in the physical delivery of fasteners or specifying for a particular project. Expanding this approach will serve to compound the tangible benefits that Optimas is currently delivering to our operations.”

David Kessler, VP of Northern Europe at Optimas added: “We are pleased to be building on a long-standing customer relationship we have had for a number of years. We will be working even closer with Dura Automotive Systems and its specialists to define suitable fastener strategies for these European facilities, a task that we are well-positioned to execute with operational excellence.”