In the competitive world of manufacturing, long-term success is rarely the result of a single product or service. Instead, it’s often built on responsive, customer-driven partnerships that adapt to evolving needs. Yardley Inserts’ 15-year collaboration with a leading outdoor furniture manufacturer is a prime example of this approach, showcasing how an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, technical innovation, and collaboration can lead to mutual success.
The Beginning of a Long-Term Partnership
In 2009, Loll Designs first approached Yardley Inserts, requesting samples for a fastener solution, initially intended for use in their growing line of durable, all-weather, outdoor furniture and accessories made with HDPE (high-density polyethylene). While the original project was small, our team provided exceptional service, following up to learn more about the customer’s broader production needs. The quality service and attention to detail provided by the Yardley team proved pivotal, laying the foundation for a partnership defined by customization and collaboration.
Over the following years, Yardley’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction would lead to the development of a custom part that would further enhance the client’s product performance and regulatory compliance.
Evolution of a Custom Part
The heart of this partnership lies in the evolution of a single, critical component: a customized version of our standard
Fiber Sert self-tapping fastener. Leveraging our
custom manufacturing expertise, our customers worked closely with our engineers and machinists to design a version of the part that met their specific requirements. This included designing the part to exacting dimensions which enhanced fastening strength in their application and manufacturing the part from aluminum due to increasing compliance requirements related to California’s Proposition 65 standards.
Yardley’s engineering team worked closely with the Loll Designs to design a part with a custom thread and pitch, optimizing it for the furniture’s assembly requirements. The result was a component that ensured superior reliability and customer satisfaction. Today, these custom aluminum inserts are an essential component in the client’s production and can be found in nearly every product the client manufactures.
A Collaborative Process
One of the most significant elements of this partnership has been Yardley’s collaborative approach, which was a key factor in the client’s decision to trust Yardley exclusively with their evolving needs over other local, national, and international manufacturers. Yardley’s exceptional service —marked by attentive and responsive customer service support—established a strong foundation of trust. This trust made Yardley the preferred partner when the client sought a new custom solution to address compliance and performance issues.
Personal Touch and Continuous Engagement: From day one, Yardley assigned a dedicated representative to the client account who regularly visited the client’s production facilities, at times even personally delivering samples and gathering feedback on how the custom parts were performing in the field. This hands-on approach fostered trust and created a direct line of communication, allowing Yardley to make iterative improvements to the fastener design based on client feedback.- Iterative Customization and Flexibility: Throughout our long-term partnership, Yardley Inserts consistently adapted to the evolving needs of Loll Designs, particularly as their product line expanded. While brass inserts were initially sufficient, Yardley collaborated closely with the client to develop several specific custom fasteners including a stainless steel version for greater corrosion resistance, durability, and performance. These steel and steel-plated brass inserts offer enhanced strength and durability for applications such as cruise ships, where constant exposure to saltwater demands more robust materials.
For each new furniture design or market application—whether for high-end residential furniture or commercial-grade products—Yardley offers tailored solutions that address both regulatory needs and performance requirements. The flexibility and responsiveness of Yardley’s team enabled the client to enter new markets confidently, knowing that the fasteners provided would meet or exceed expectations for both quality and compliance.
Beyond Just Manufacturing
Yardley Inserts didn’t just deliver custom parts; they provided a comprehensive support system that optimized the client’s supply chain and production efficiency.
Inventory Management and On-Demand Fulfillment: To ensure uninterrupted production,Yardley Inserts implemented a robust inventory management system, monitoring the client’s part usage and maintaining a stock of fasteners to meet ongoing demand. This proactive approach allows us to fulfill orders quickly and efficiently, so the client never faces production delays due to shortages.- Cost Efficiency Through Scale: As the partnership grew, so did the client’s order volume. From initially ordering thousands of parts, the client now places orders over a million parts. These economies of scale keep costs competitive, meeting and often beating costs from overseas competitors. Over the lifetime of this project, we conservatively estimate we’ve delivered more than 22 million parts.
The Value of Responsive Manufacturing Partnerships
Yardley Inserts’ 15-year partnership with Loll Designs highlights the value of responsive, customer-focused manufacturing. Long-term collaboration, a willingness to customize products, and open communication are key to driving innovation and building lasting partnerships.
For businesses seeking a manufacturing partner that goes above and beyond, Yardley Inserts and our parent company Bearon Manufacturing serve as inspiring models. Whether you’re facing regulatory challenges, seeking to improve product performance, or looking to optimize your supply chain, consider partnering with a manufacturer that values long-term collaboration and customer-driven innovation.
