Risk audit in a manufacturing company
We prepared a report on regulatory stability for a company in the metal industry. Thanks to the analysis, the company changed suppliers before new tariffs were introduced. 12,400 PLN was saved on logistics.
In August 2024, the Diplomat Consulting Solutions team was asked to support Stal-Form Bielsko. The client faced the prospect of sudden changes in tariffs, which could have shaken the financial liquidity of the entire production process.
The challenge
Stal-Form Bielsko imported raw materials from suppliers outside the EU zone, relying on fixed contracts signed in 2021. In mid-2024, unofficial information appeared about new customs regulations that could increase raw material costs by nearly 18% quarterly. The company board did not have an internal analytical department that could assess the real impact of these changes on production profitability in a short time.
Our approach
We started our actions with a 10-day supply chain analysis and verification of customs codes used by the client. The Diplomat Consulting Solutions team conducted a series of meetings with the Stal-Form board to understand the cost structure and planned delivery dates. We focused on identifying alternative commercial partners in the region, which allowed for creating a list of safe suppliers before the new regulations came into force.
The solution
We prepared a detailed risk report that contained simulations of costs while maintaining existing suppliers and variants after logistics change. We recommended switching to cooperation with a selected subcontractor within the European Union, which completely eliminated the need to pay the new tariff. The process of changing the commercial partner was carried out smoothly, without stopping production lines.
Results
Thanks to the implementation of our recommendations, Stal-Form Bielsko maintained production continuity and avoided customs costs, which otherwise would have burdened the company's quarterly result. We build the company's operational peace through analysis of facts and real data.
Timeline
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August 2024Supply chain inventory and agreement analysis
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September 2024Verification of new regulations and searching for suppliers
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October 2024Finalizing contracts with new partners and implementing the strategy
"We trusted Diplomat Consulting when the situation was becoming nervous. Their analysis allowed us to avoid unforeseen expenses on tariffs. Conflict is a cost that can be eliminated, which they confirmed in practice."