Manufacturing projects: contract manufacturing or direct factory sourcing

How a manufacturing project moves to RFQ

1. Define the outcome: product, throughput, operating hours and quality targets.
2. Split the project into packages — fabricated build-to-print parts versus engineered machines and process lines.
3. Choose a route per package: contract manufacturing for build-to-print scope, direct factory sourcing where process guarantees and service matter.
4. Issue one structured RFQ so every offer covers the same scope, Incoterm, FAT/SAT criteria and payment milestones.
5. Compare total delivered and lifecycle cost, then test the financing structure before the investment decision.

Verify a factory before a large order

• Company registration and the actual production address — not only a trading office.
• Evidence the factory makes the equipment, or a declared list of sub-suppliers.
• Contactable reference installations with similar capacity and product.
• Certificates checked against the issuing body's own register.
• Right to witness the factory acceptance test or appoint a third-party inspector.
• Payment milestones tied to verifiable events.