Is Your Supply Chain the Best It Can Be?
In Focus
If you’ve ever watched a football game and seen a player carted off the field, chances are that cart came from Waev Inc.’s Taylor-Dunn brand. Taylor-Dunn has been producing low speed electric vehicles for over 75 years.
But what goes into building those electric workhorses? And how does a world-class manufacturer like Waev navigate the complexities of today’s supply chain?
Recently Cup o’ Joe, hosts Mike Carrozzo and Nick Webb sat down with Alfredo Arroyo, Chief Operations Officer and Senior VP of Waev Inc., and James Porter, General Manager of Advanced Processing at Ryerson, to dive deep into supply chain strategies, advanced manufacturing, and the partnership driving it all forward. Cup o Joe is a metals podcast published by Ryerson.
Building a Supply Chain for Growth
Waev manufactures low-speed electric vehicles for everything from airports to zoos, and as demand grows, so does the need for a reliable, scalable supply chain. Alfredo shares how his history with Ryerson helped shape the company’s sourcing strategy:
“As we knew that we needed to grow and scale, we knew that we had to make a search for somebody that had the scale because our ambitions in growth exceed really the footprints of the facility that we have here in Anaheim. And we knew that Ryerson is somebody that could help us do that,” says Arroyo.
But growth comes with challenges. Expanding production capacity without sacrificing lead times is no small feat, and that’s where Ryerson’s Advanced Processing team comes in.
"As we knew that we needed to grow and scale, we knew that we had to make a search for somebody that had the scale because our ambitions in growth exceed really the footprints of the facility that we have here in Anaheim. And we knew that Ryerson is somebody that could help us do that."
Alfredo Arroyo, Waev Inc.
James Porter highlights the collaborative approach taken to solve Waev’s production bottlenecks:
“Alfredo was very open to say, ‘Ryerson’s a historic vendor, we've partnered for years—what can you guys do? Insert yourselves at any point within this manufacturing process that helps me scale.’”
Navigating the Inevitable Supply Chain Hiccups
No partnership is without its bumps, and Waev’s shift to sourcing painted steel frames from Ryerson presented some early challenges. However, as Arroyo points out, it was the response that truly defined the relationship.
“We received our first initial batches that weren’t to paint spec. But because we had a tight communication loop, the Ryerson team was on the floor the next day, working with us to pinpoint the breakdown. That kind of commitment makes all the difference,” says Arroyo.
Porter echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in modern manufacturing:
“If we don’t do it, it’s not going to get done. That’s the best part of this job—being part of U.S. manufacturing and helping it grow.”
"... the Ryerson team was on the floor the next day, working with us to pinpoint the breakdown. That kind of commitment makes all the difference."
Alfredo Arroyo, Waev Inc.
Lessons for Manufacturers Looking to Scale
For those in manufacturing facing similar supply chain challenges, Arroyo offers this advice:
“Don’t be afraid to look at your supply chain and ask: Is it the best it can be? What else can I do? Who else can I engage with? Bringing in the right partners can help you scale faster and more efficiently.”
With U.S. manufacturing on the rise, this episode provides an inside look at how companies are adapting to ensure they stay ahead of the curve.
🎙️ Listen to the full conversation on Cup o’ Joe to hear more about how Waev and Ryerson are working together to build the future of American manufacturing.
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