The importance of high-quality spare parts
A machine should run, run, run and run… To keep it that way, the wearing parts of the machines must be replaced regularly. The Canadian company UM Inc. is a well-known manufacturer of alternative spare parts for blow moulding, filling, sealing and labelling machines for PET as well as for form-fill-seal machines, serving over 500 clients in more than 40 countries. PETplanet spoke to Arnaud Vital, President & CEO of the company, to learn more about the company’s portfolio, the market situation and high demanding spare parts.
PETplanet: Dear Arnaud, may I kindly ask you to introduce your company in a few words?
Arnaud: UM Inc., a premier Canadian enterprise, excels in manufacturing and supplying top-tier industrial components for the bottling industry. Our specialisation in blow moulding is complemented by our expertise in providing high-quality parts for filling, sealing, and labelling machines. Founded in 1976 as a local machine shop handling bespoke orders, UM Inc. embarked on a transformative journey in the 1990s with our strategic entry into the PET market. This pivotal move catalysed a period of strong growth, leading us to expand into a state-of-the-art facility in Saint-Remi, QC.
Three years ago, I had the privilege of acquiring UM Inc., and alongside our exceptional team, we have driven remarkable progress. This year alone, we are on a trend of a two-fold growth on our sales! We now proudly serve over 500 clients across more than 40 countries, and our global footprint continues to expand.
PETplanet: Machine manufacturers provide their customers with maintenance and warranty services for machine parts. When do customers usually turn to you?
Arnaud: At UM, our goal is to support our clients at every stage of the production process, enabling them to save valuable resources without compromising on quality or lead time. We aspire to be more than just a supplier; we aim to be a trusted partner, ready to assist with production issues and swiftly get machines back up and running. Our agility and proactive approach reflect our respect for time and our commitment to finding solutions.
We have carefully built the UM brand around three core principles: quality, price, and lead time, all while maintaining a partnership-oriented approach. Each year, we invest significantly in expanding our product offerings to meet our clients’ evolving needs. By strategically enhancing functionality and strength, we ensure that our solutions continue to drive success for our clients. Our engineers are dedicated to making the right choices to support and improve their operations. We believe that by consistently doing what’s best for our clients, success naturally follows.
PETplanet: You have published an impressive list of partners and customers from the blow moulding and filling industry on your homepage. This speaks for the high quality of your spare parts and comprehensive service. What costs do your customers save if they order spare parts from you instead of from the manufacturer of the original machine?
Arnaud: Over the years, we have built robust client partnerships through a strategic and focused approach that remains at the heart of our operations. Our ability to deliver cost savings is a significant competitive advantage, with savings typically around double the industry average, all while maintaining uncompromised quality and competitive lead times.
We pride ourselves on being leaders in providing alternative spare parts, but our process is meticulously strategic. We carefully select parts that offer the most potential for improvement, ensuring we deliver enhanced value to our clients. For instance, our moulds shell line is a standout success, where we consistently surpass expectations in quality, pricing, and lead times.
PETplanet: Where do you produce your spare parts? Do you offer guarantees on your spare parts and have you patented them?
Arnaud: All our spare parts are meticulously manufactured at our facility in Saint-Remi, QC, Canada, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency. We back every part with a standard one-year warranty, and for components such as oven chains and cams, we offer extended warranties due to their enhanced durability.
Our team is actively focused on developing new products designed to significantly reduce operating costs, creating excitement among our clients. With our comprehensive range of alternative parts for the bottling industry and our agile approach to evolving needs, we evaluate patents strategically and innovatively to continually offer cutting-edge solutions.
PETplanet: For which spare parts do you receive the most enquiries? What are your delivery times?
Arnaud: Our valves and guides are unmatched in the market, delivering exceptional operating cost savings, particularly in energy efficiency, that set them apart from any other products available. We sell thousands of these units annually and ensure they are always in stock, ready to ship within a week. Additionally, we keep a selection of the most sought-after cams on hand, available for delivery within 2-3 weeks.
Our moulds shells and oven chains are also standout products at UM, consistently meeting the high demands of our clients. Moreover, a crucial aspect of our business is providing personalised components such as spindle tips, grippers, and entry/exit wheels, which are vital for the operation of blow moulding machines. We frequently receive requests for these customised parts and are fully equipped to manage and fulfill such projects with precision.
PETplanet: You offer specialised spare parts & individual solutions. Format conversions are also possible with your parts. It is noticeable that you are particularly well positioned in the filling sector, (e.g. at Krones). Are you planning to expand your machine portfolio in the future?
Arnaud: Looking ahead, our vision is to become the go-to partner for all our clients’ needs across the entire bottling industry production line. We are continually expanding our product catalogue to align with this vision, ensuring we offer comprehensive solutions that cover every aspect of our clients’ operations. Stay tuned, additional service lines key to our clients will be announced in the near future.
PETplanet: Your business is facing a lot of competition. How do you feel about the global market situation? Where do you see future markets for yourself?
Arnaud: We remain committed to what we do best: being responsive to our clients and delivering solutions and services that offer exceptional value. Our focus on innovation drives us to continually expand our offerings, enhance our production capabilities, and invest in technology to adopt new business practices.
We are confident in our abilities but recognise the challenges ahead. Adapting to the rapidly evolving environment – both within our company and in the broader market – is crucial. Technological advancements, particularly in user experience, will be key to our future success.
Our primary markets include the US, Canada, and Mexico, where we continue to strengthen our presence. In Europe, we are growing, though market dynamics vary due to different client types. We are also seizing significant opportunities in the Middle East and Africa, where we see substantial demand and rapid growth, and we are pursuing these markets with strategic intent.
PETplanet: Thank you very much for sharing your insides and knowledge with us!
Arnaud: It is our pleasure. Thank you for your time and interview!
