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The Power of Four Cents

It used to cost just seven cents. But a tiny foam corner is part of a much bigger story, one about smart sourcing, strategic thinking, and a relentless focus on efficiency at Taylor Entrance Systems, a proud brand of Wausau Supply Company. The team in West Branch, Michigan is proving that even the smallest decisions can make a big impact.

That tiny foam corner might seem insignificant, but it represents a much larger philosophy. “If it’s in the door, I buy it,” says Molly Meir, who manages purchasing for the plant. Her job is to ensure every material, from screws to fiberglass, is sourced with care, priced competitively, and delivered on time. And in today’s market, that kind of precision is what’s helping Taylor keep prices flat through 2025.

Strategic Sourcing that Pays Off

Taylor’s cost-saving efforts are rooted in smart sourcing. The team doesn’t just chase the lowest price, they evaluate every supplier based on quality, lead time, and cost. A switch to Matra, a Canadian wood supplier, helped eliminate waste from bowed or knotted wood while also reducing costs. Packing materials were another win: by resourcing corner posts from Livonia, Taylor cut lead times from three months to two days and significantly reduced on-site inventory.

And those foam corners tell a story, too. Originally priced at $0.071 each, the previous supplier dropped the cost down to $0.064. But after resourcing, the team now pays just $0.04 per corner, a small change with a big ripple effect across thousands of units that is leading to approximately $30,000 annually.

Relationships that Build Resilience

Rather than cutting ties with suppliers, Taylor has repositioned many as backups, keeping lines of communication open and relationships strong. “If we ever need help, we can phone a friend,” Molly explains. That flexibility has helped the team weather supply chain challenges and maintain consistency in production.

Inventory that Works Smarter

Reducing inventory has freed up valuable space for production, including the new line and fiberglass launches. Materials that once sat idle are now being repurposed, and obsolete items are being reevaluated for new uses. It’s all part of a broader effort to make sure every dollar, and every square foot, works harder.

A Culture of Continuous Improvement

Taylor’s story is a reminder that innovation doesn’t always come from sweeping changes, it often starts with the smallest details. And as they continue to refine, adapt, and lead, one thing is clear: the future is being built just a few pennies at a time.