Automotive Industry

The automotive industry has been around for more than a century. As a matter of fact, its history can be traced back to the late 19th century. German engineer Karl Benz was the first to receive a patent for the motorcar in 1886. In 1913, Henry Ford revolutionized vehicle manufacturing with the first-ever assembly line. This ushered in the era of mass production, reducing assembly time from 12 hours to just one hour.

 

Presently, the auto industry is focused on reducing emissions and developing ecosystem-friendly products. Automakers in Japan and Germany such as Honda, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are growing their product lines of electric vehicles. Not to be outdone, North American automotive companies like Tesla and Ford have already made electric cars and commercial vehicles available for consumers.

 

Apart from electric cars, we will also be seeing more vehicles with microchips and IoT capabilities. Key players in the industry, including OEMs, will need custom parts for the assembly line. Quality and reliability are crucial in the automotive market. That is why manufacturers turn to the world’s leading brands for the right components. For that, they rely on Reid Supply.

 

Having partnered with more than 200 global brands, Reid Supply remains the top source of industrial machinery parts and tools. With more than 70 years of industry experience, the company provides over 40,000 industrial components, and is a preferred partner for North American automobile manufacturers. 

Learn how we can help you innovate as the automotive manufacturing industry continues to grow. 

 Industry Experts

At Reid Supply, we take to heart the specific needs of your business with our unmatched product expertise. We have a customer service team and expert manufacturer representatives to answer your queries.

To help streamline your design process, we can provide you with FREE CAD drawings of every part. In addition, our in-house engineering team is standing by to provide responsive equipment support.

If you are looking for a specific product, we can send you a quote in under four hours. Can’t find what we’re looking for? Let us know so we can help you source it from the right manufacturer.

Here is an overview of some of the products that we carry:

Workholding and Clamps

Precision matters in the automotive industry. For this reason, carmakers will need to invest in quality workholding and clamping tools.  These are used for holding a workpiece down while an operator manipulates it.

Our catalog offers a wide selection of workholding and clamping systems for cutting, milling, and grinding applications. Our products include hold-down clamps, push-pull clamps, plier clamps, and hook-and-latch clamps. 

All of these are made from zinc-plated components that can withstand corrosion and regular wear and tear. You also have options for a variety of styles. Choose from discs, blocks, cylinders, cups, hooks, buttons, and bridges.

Want to learn more about our collection of products under this category? Check out our FREE e-book about clamps and workholding. 

Automation

Automation has become the lifeblood of production line and conveyor belt systems across the world. It consists of three basic elements: measurement, control, and actuators.

In a typical automotive assembly line, measurement involves sensors that take precise values of an object. Information such as sizes and temperature is sent to the control. For its part, the control processes the information and decides what the actuators must do. Lastly, the actuators perform the action required by the control. 

To ensure efficiency and reduce production delays, automation systems should consist of quality parts. With our experience with automation, we can provide tailor-fit engineering solutions.

Our catalog consists of linear motion systems, grippers, power clamps, and cutting/machining components. Give us a call and learn more about our line of automation components.

Material Handling

Operators in the automobile industry handle a variety of materials and parts, some of which are fragile. For this reason, it’s important to purchase material handling and storage equipment. These include hand trucks and carts for moving materials and parts in bulk throughout the job site. We also provide racks and shelves for storing hand tools and small components.

Reid Supply also offers a wide array of industrial strength material handling solutions. Our products under this category are made exclusively in North America. With their steel-gauge construction and powder-coated finish, our products are meant to last.

Our catalog offers quality shelf trucks, carts, hand trucks, and dollies. We also provide workbenches and lean manufacturing storage that will help increase productivity and equipment lifespan.

Check out our catalog of machine handling and storage equipment and find the tools you need.

Handles and Knobs

Handles and knobs are simple tools that have been around for thousands of years. We can see them everywhere, from teacups to doors. They have become so prevalent daily that we tend to forget the value that handles and knobs bring — especially to motor vehicle manufacturers.

At Reid Supply, we take knobs and handles seriously. That is why our catalog of industrial hardware includes only high-quality products for levers and clamps.

We have a wide selection of knobs across different styles and sizes for machine tools and control levers. We also carry round, tapered, and oval knobs for gear levers.

For fastening, tightening, and adjusting applications, we have cam levers that allow for a comfortable grip for fastening, tightening, and adjusting applications. Clamp handles are also great for fastening and frequent adjusting.

From applications that require high levels of precision, look towards our collection of clamping knobs. They feature ergonomic knurled rims and indicator marks, and arrows.

We also have crank handles for applications that require frequent adjustments. We carry fixed, revolving, folding, and fold-away crank handles, so you have a wider selection.

For precision adjustments and calibration, consider our line of handwheels. We have plastic, cast iron, steel, and stainless steel options. All of these are durable and are ideal in any industrial environment.

Summary

Want to increase efficiency and reduce maintenance costs for your motor vehicle facility? It’s crucial to buy reliable and durable industrial components.  Start by ordering the parts you need from Reid Supply. Give us a call or send us an email if you are looking for specific products for your business.