Bufab is a Swedish company that specializes in the provision of supply chain solutions, particularly for sourcing, quality control, and logistics of C-parts. Its diverse product range includes metal and plastic fasteners, such as screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, pins, and washers, alongside other small metal, rubber, or plastic parts like cables, springs, electronic fasteners, stainless steel bolts, and precision turned parts. Bufab's offerings extend to supply chain services, design and technology, range and sourcing, and manufacturing productivity services. It is headquartered in Värnamo, Sweden, and its shares are listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.

Local Entrepreneurship

The company was founded by Hans Björstrand and Roland Johansson in 1977 just outside of Värnamo, a small town in the south of Sweden. The company grew organically as well as through acquiring smaller companies in the industry, and since its foundation, it has made over 50 acquisitions. Today, it is a multinational operation with offices and locations spread across the world, while competing with companies such as Fastenal and W.W. Grainger.

C-parts and Bufab's offerings

C-parts, often referred to as Class C components, are typically low-cost, standard components that are crucial to the production process but represent a relatively small portion of the overall production cost. These can include fasteners, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, and other small items used in assembly and manufacturing. Despite their low individual cost, managing C-parts can be complex and resource-intensive due to their high volume, vast variety, and the critical role they play in the production and operational processes.

C-parts management involves the procurement, storage, handling, and distribution of these components in an efficient and timely manner. The challenges in managing C-parts stem from their sheer number, the variability in specifications, and the necessity for precise inventory control to prevent production line stoppages due to shortages while also avoiding excessive inventory that ties up capital.

Bufab focuses on C-parts by offering comprehensive supply chain solutions designed to address these specific challenges. The company employs a holistic approach to simplify the supply chain for its customers, effectively reducing the complexity and cost associated with managing C-parts.

Bufab's solutions encompass several key areas:

Sourcing and Procurement: Bufab leverages its global network of suppliers to source high-quality C-parts, ensuring that the components meet specific customer requirements and standards.
Inventory Management: Through advanced inventory management techniques and systems, Bufab optimizes the stock levels of C-parts, balancing the need to minimize inventory costs with the necessity of ensuring uninterrupted supply for production.
Logistics and Distribution: Bufab manages the logistics and distribution of C-parts, ensuring timely delivery to customer locations.
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Services: For some customers, Bufab offers VMI services, taking full responsibility for managing the inventory of C-parts at the customer's site. This service includes monitoring stock levels, forecasting demand, and replenishing inventory automatically.