What is your polymer challenge?
Hardie Polymers Logo
Request a quote
Hardie Polymers Established 1924

Case Study - Resolving Polymer Supply Chain Issues for a Medical Moulder

Go back to view all case studies
Hardie Polymers for medical manufacturers case study

Introduction

A medical manufacturing business (injection moulder) approached Hardie Polymers in urgent need of a specific grade and colour of polycarbonate for a medical device casing. Its existing supplier had let them down, and the team required material quickly to avoid halting production. The customer’s initial request was for a 5-tonne lot, but with no clarity on future deliveries from the incumbent supplier, we took proactive steps to understand the wider supply-chain challenge and secure continuity of supply.

Challenge

Resolving polymer supply chain issues for our medical moulder client.

The polycarbonate grade requested was in global short supply due to production issues at the manufacturing plant. Multiple manufacturers were already facing shortages, and we had supplied 10 tonnes of the same material to other customers in the previous week alone. The customer had no confirmed delivery date from their existing supplier — the material was still in transit from Asia — and the immediate need for 5 tonnes could escalate to a total of 18 tonnes required during the following four-week period.

To prevent disruption to production, we needed to secure stock rapidly, avoid overlapping supply chains that could drive up pricing, and offer logistics flexibility to match the customer’s shifting demand.

Results

We executed a structured supply plan:

  • 3 tonnes supplied from our own UK stock for next-day delivery
  • 5 tonnes secured within one week from four different verified European supply partners, with haulage consolidated to reduce costs
  • Up to 18 tonnes reserved through further outreach:
    • 12 additional potential suppliers were contacted and placed on standby
    • A further eight suppliers were identified internally as secondary options in case demand increased

To ensure the customer could meet their own production deadlines, we offered a full range of logistics solutions, including guaranteed next-day AM delivery, dedicated vehicle direct from our warehouse (material dispatched within one hour of enquiry), dedicated vehicles from European suppliers, and, if required, air freight from Europe or Asia.

By securing stock early and providing multiple delivery options, the customer avoided production downtime, unnecessary premium shipping costs, and loss of revenue.

Customer Feedback

Our customer said: “Hardie Polymers didn’t just supply material — the team secured our production. Moving faster than any supplier we’ve worked with, the team communicated clearly and provided us with options that kept costs under control. The proactive approach ensured we had the material we needed, when we needed it.”

Reach out and we can discuss how we can help you manufacture on time and on budget.

You can reach us by phone on
+44 (0)141 952 1900

Say hello

What is your polymer challenge?

Please fill out the form below to see if we can help with your polymer challenge.

Here are a few examples:

  • I have been given a lead time of 12 weeks for material but need it in 2 weeks
  • I only need 250kg but the MOQ is 2 pallets
  • I need a material that can operate in a high temperature environment for a prolonged period of time