Peterson's Partnership with

International Manufacturing Solutions

   Whether we like it or not, doing business in today’s economy means dealing with an increasingly global marketplace.  For Americans, this means we are no longer the only contenders.  Companies from all over the world now compete for a piece of the pie.

   At Peterson Manufacturing, we have experienced the effects of this firsthand.  Over the years, we have seen an increase in competition, especially from offshore companies that produce poor quality lighting products and sell them at low costs.

   Several years ago, this left Peterson’s senior management with some serious questions:  How do we respond?  Do we stick our heads in the sand and pretend offshore competition will go away?  Do we lower costs?  Do we get rid of certain product lines altogether?

   After looking at all the options, Peterson decided the best response was to become proactive in two ways.  First, we responded by communicating the message that quality matters.  What many consumers don’t understand is that some offshore vehicle lighting products don’t meet federal lighting regulations.  Peterson lights not only meet federal regulations, they exceed them by 25 percent!  Peterson is a quality manufacturer that makes a superior product at a fair price – this is more than just a message.

   It is a core value and philosophy of how Peterson conducts business. 

   Secondly, Peterson lowered its costs on select products by forming a strategic partnership with International Manufacturing Solutions (IMS).  Formerly known as TECMA, IMS is a manufacturing company located in Juarez, Mexico – just across the border from El Paso.

   Beginning in 1999, IMS began assembling select Peterson products at their facility in Juarez.  Even though assembly of these selected products takes place at IMS, Peterson still plays a very active role in bringing it all together.  The plastic parts are molded at Mission Plastics.  Our shipping department ensures that all of the right components are shipped to IMS and associates from quality, press, manufacturing and inventory control work closely with IMS to make sure certain standards are met.

   So far, Peterson’s two-fold response has paid off.  It will continue to take time and effort, but customers are learning that quality is an important issue and you get what you pay for.  Also, with help from IMS, we have been able to compete more effectively with select product lines which, in turn, has contributed to Peterson’s overall profitability.