Etac
Reduced material cost without intermediaries – efficient and sustainable!
Since autumn 2021, Nominit has been a supplier to Etac, a world-leading developer of assistive devices for people with functional variations. With operations aimed at contributing to an inclusive society, Etac provides solutions that improve the quality of life for its users and the people around them.
Faced with the need to restructure its supplier base, Etac moved from long-distance suppliers of components for its wheelchair division in Anderstorp, Sweden, to a manufacturer located within the same geographic region. Nominit is an experienced and successful supplier within its niche of cold-formed components, and the proximity between the two operations has proven to be a major advantage for Etac. Both in terms of cost and communication, Etac saw the value in establishing a direct relationship with the manufacturer, without intermediaries.
“I had the idea that we could produce in a more cost-efficient and sustainable way by removing intermediaries,” says Kristina Lennartsdotter, Strategic Purchasing Manager at Etac.
Today, Nominit supplies four different components to Etac’s production in Anderstorp, and Etac continues to explore additional opportunities, both for Anderstorp and other units within the group. Every wheelchair manufactured by Etac contains components from Nominit.
“In this case, we are talking about a wheel axle. Each wheelchair has two caster wheels, each fitted with an axle,” explains Bengt Modén, design engineer in wheelchair product development.
As a supplier, Nominit has contributed in several ways to Etac’s production. Through close collaboration and a customer-focused dialogue, Nominit serves as a valuable sounding board for Etac’s development teams in the early stages. With skilled employees, Nominit’s expertise also contributes to internal competence development at Etac.
“From a sustainability perspective, Nominit and the processes they use have contributed significantly to our production.”
Kristina Lennartsdotter, Strategic Purchasing Manager at Etac.
Previously, the main component – the wheel axle – was manufactured using CNC turning, resulting in high material waste, with a large portion ending up as scrap. By switching to cold forming, Nominit’s core expertise, material usage was significantly reduced, resulting in a considerably lower environmental footprint. With a location just a few miles away instead of overseas suppliers, Etac benefits from shorter lead times while also contributing to reduced transport emissions.
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