As small and large businesses in Minneapolis make a decision to sell products and manufactured goods into other countries; there is an increasing need to have a continual supply of metric fasteners available.
The Challenges
While it may be typical for the imperial fasteners, those using the imperial measurement system of inches to measure length and diameter, are the choice in the USA, our country the only major exporter that uses this system. In fact, other than Myanmar and Liberia, all the rest of the world uses the metric system.
For companies in Minneapolis selling on the world market, using imperial measurement fasteners can be a barrier to trade. This creates a need for these companies to find a reliable source of metric fasteners.
The good news for companies is that many contractor supply businesses are now offering at least the common metric sizes in fasteners. The problem is that these contractor supply or big box types of material stores often charge a higher price than the company needs to pay.
Use a Fastener Supply Store
Rather than using a general contractor supply store, consider using a specialized fastener supply outlet. These companies have a more focused inventory, so they typically carry a wider selection of both imperial and metric sized fasteners of all types.
Additionally, with a specialized fastener supply company, it is possible to discuss your specific needs and have that company bring in the materials you need for your production, manufacturing or fabrication lines.
A few of the specialty supply companies offering metric fasteners even complete in-house custom CNC machining of parts, allowing for complete manufacturing of any design of fasteners required. This is an ideal consideration for an OEM with prototype products and requiring a source for fastener production and continual supply.
