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Case Study: Managed Inventory for Foundry Client

Overview:

Overview: Harrison Castings Ltd, a leading UK ferrous foundry, relies on Leicester Bearings as their trusted independent supplier for both PPE and managed inventory solutions. With a demanding production environment, having the right equipment and components at the right time is critical — and that’s where Leicester Bearings delivers.

The Challenge: In an industry where downtime is costly and safety is non-negotiable, Harrison Castings needed a supplier who could respond quickly, manage stock effectively, and provide expert support tailored to their operations.

 

Scope of Supply and Services

Leicester Bearings provided a comprehensive supply package to support the foundry’s maintenance and production operations, ensuring critical equipment remained operational in a demanding, high-temperature environment.

 

Our scope included:

 

  • Bearings suitable for heavy load and high-temperature applications
  • Power transmission products including belts, chains, sprockets and couplings
  • Electric motors and gearboxes for core production equipment
  • Pneumatics and fluid power components for automated systems
  • High-performance lubricants and maintenance chemicals
  • MRO consumables to support day-to-day maintenance

 

In addition to product supply, we delivered:

 

  • Rapid sourcing of urgent and hard-to-find components
  • 24/7 emergency support for breakdown situations
  • Technical support to assist with product selection and reliability improvements
  • Managed inventory and stock support to improve availability of critical spares

 

This integrated approach ensured the foundry had consistent access to the right components, reduced delays in maintenance activities, and improved overall operational reliability.

Results & Impact

By consolidating supply and introducing a more responsive, structured approach, Leicester Bearings delivered measurable improvements across the foundry’s maintenance and production operations.

 

Key outcomes included:

  • Reduced downtime: Faster access to critical components and emergency support minimised production stoppages and improved overall uptime.
  • Improved response times: Urgent requirements were turned around quickly, including out-of-hours support, allowing maintenance teams to resolve issues without delay.
  • Increased equipment reliability: Correct product selection and consistent supply of quality components reduced repeat failures and unplanned maintenance.
  • Streamlined procurement: A single, reliable supply partner reduced time spent sourcing parts and managing multiple suppliers.
  • Better stock control: Improved availability of critical spares reduced last-minute sourcing and associated delays.
  • Enhanced operational confidence: Maintenance teams had the assurance that support and supply were available when needed, particularly in high-pressure situations.

 

Overall, the partnership enabled the foundry to operate more efficiently, reduce risk, and maintain consistent production in a demanding environment.

Client Feedback

“”If the Leicester Bearings team hadn’t got the right stock to us in time, our operations would’ve come to a standstill over the weekend. Leicester Bearings are more than a supplier — they’re a key part of keeping us moving.””
– Dan Cheetham – Engineering Manager

Why Choose Us?

Operating in a foundry environment demands durability, speed, and dependable support. Leicester Bearings is structured to deliver exactly that—combining product expertise with responsive service to keep production running.

 

Experience in harsh environments

We understand the challenges of heat, dust, and heavy loads, and supply components suited to demanding foundry conditions.

 

Rapid response when it matters

From urgent breakdowns to out-of-hours support, we act quickly to minimise downtime and keep operations moving.

 

Right product, first time

Our technical knowledge ensures correct specification and selection, reducing repeat failures and improving equipment life.

 

Strong availability and sourcing capability

With local stock and access to a wide supplier network, we can source both standard and hard-to-find components quickly.

 

Single-source supply

We consolidate multiple product categories into one reliable supply partner, simplifying procurement and reducing admin.

 

Independent flexibility

As a large independent, we offer fast decisions, personal service, and the ability to adapt to your operation—without the constraints of larger corporates.

 

Proven support in critical situations

We regularly support foundries during high-pressure breakdown scenarios, helping maintenance teams get equipment back online quickly.

 

 

Leicester Bearings is more than a supplier—we’re a practical support partner focused on keeping your foundry running efficiently and reliably.

Contact our sales team to arrange a site survey and see how we can support your operations.
Email: sales@leicesterbearings.co.uk | Phone: 0116 2549886

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