Are you having trouble finding certain domestic forged steel casters and wheels? If you’ve noticed some scarcity — here’s the short version: a big forge in Michigan suddenly shut down — leaving many manufacturers scrambling to find replacement part suppliers in the US.
What's the Story?
Lefare Forge’s shock closing announcement in November of 2018 caused a harried search amongst domestic caster manufacturers to find replacement suppliers of forged steel caster and wheel components. Initially operating as a supplier of gears for the automotive industry, Lefare forge had been operating out of Jackson, MI for nearly 90 years.
Why Could it be Difficult to Find Certain Forged Casters?
This forge produced caster and wheel components for Albion’s heavy-duty forged casters for over 50 years. Many other major caster manufacturers like Albion, Hamilton, Caster Concepts and Algood have relied on Lefare to produce caster parts. Lefare’s closing has caused an industry-wide domino-effect in national supply chains that will immediately impact access to many forged casters.
What are CasterDepot's Suppliers Doing About This Shortage?
Our caster suppliers that have been impacted have demonstrated a commitment to securing long-term production solutions and providing the best caster possible (even if it comes at an added cost to the supplier). For example, CasterDepot has learned that Colson Group has formed new primary partnerships with leading forges to produce forged steel components. Albion has a commitment to providing alternatives and upgrades at no additional cost for orders that cannot be assembled because of this forged component shortage.
What Is CasterDepot Doing?
With our suppliers’ quick response to this sudden closing, we expect this supply shortage to last only for the next six months or so. Through this transitional time, you can count on CasterDepot to work with you to find the optimal forged caster or wheel for your application. Our expert team can find solutions for any use — at any volume.
If you have any questions about whether this forge closure may impact your open order forged steel casters or wheels, please contact us.
