Importing is a polarizing subject to many in the industry. Fabricators see it as a source of revenue. Distributors view it as a loss of revenue. Manufacturers see a mind-numbing myriad of potential customers, profits and issues. Approached properly, it can benefit all phases of our constantly changing industry.
There is no doubt that fabricator importing is on the rise. Importing by the fabricator can take many avenues — from jumping in to the fray alone, to hiring a broker, to importing through their existing network of distributors. Once everyone involved — suppliers, fabricators and distributors — realizes the nature of the beast of importing, it becomes a more palatable team effort. Profits need to be made by everyone involved; otherwise, what is the point? The level of those profits is what is up for debate. Obviously, the more profits (or savings) wanted, the more work that must be done in-house, no matter what house you are in.