Dragon Sourcing undertook a complex 9-week project to source and evaluate mask and isolation gown facilities for a global leader in infection control products. Covering 11 regions, the initiative identified 151 suppliers, pre-screened 53, and shortlisted 41 for RFIs, achieving a comprehensive analysis of the market landscape.
Step-by-Step Journey:
Weeks 1-2: Defining the Scope and Goals
- Demand analysis was initiated for masks and gowns with specifications for medical earloop, N95, and SMMS polypropylene gowns.
- Targeted 11 regions, including Southeast Asia, the Balkans, and Mexico.
Weeks 3-4: Supplier Identification and Pre-Screening
- Identified 151 suppliers across 11 zones, with Vietnam (22 suppliers) and Mexico (30 suppliers) leading.
- Conducted phone screenings, rejecting 61 suppliers due to non-compliance with product or automation requirements.
Weeks 5-7: RFI Development and Administration
- Distributed RFIs to 53 pre-qualified suppliers; received responses from 27.
- Analyzed responses using a detailed scorecard covering production capacity, certifications, and social responsibility.
Weeks 8-9: Evaluation and Recommendations
- Shortlisted 15 suppliers; Vietnam’s Supplier 2 stood out with CE certification and robust production capabilities.
- Bulgaria’s Supplier 5, tied to Sopharma, excelled but posed acquisition challenges due to corporate ownership.
Results:
Dragon Sourcing provided a ranked list of 15 high-potential suppliers, with the top score being 57 and an average score of 41. This strategic effort uncovered key players in the global market while addressing the client’s goal of acquiring production facilities for masks and gowns.