Solving the Supply Chain Puzzle: How We Fixed a Bottleneck for a Defense Communications Customer
When a defense communications company found themselves stuck in a supply chain bottleneck, they turned to us—not just for parts, but for real solutions. The result? A custom-built system that transformed unpredictable delays into smooth, on-demand delivery.
The Challenge: Inconsistent Vendors, Missed Deadlines
This Western U.S.-based customer supports multiple branches of the defense industry, including the Air Force, Army, and Navy. Their equipment is only as reliable as the parts that go into it. Unfortunately, their previous vendor couldn’t keep pace.
Delays, inconsistent finishes, and poor supply chain management left them second-guessing every order. They needed more than a machine shop vendor that could hit tolerances. They needed a true partner who could take ownership.
We started by listening and asking questions. Then we designed a better process—from the ground up. We brought to the table a Kanban-style inventory system, where parts move through stages. We didn’t wait for a problem to react—we built a live inventory of key parts so they’d always have what they needed, when they needed it. That meant faster turnaround, fewer delays, better line-of-sight, and no more “fire drills” with everyone rushing around at the 11th hour.
Finishing was a consistent pain point. So we sourced, tested, and partnered with a reliable finishing supplier who could consistently meet spec—especially with complex paint requirements. We took on end-to-end coordination—from sourcing materials to managing heat treatment and coatings, we took responsibility for the full process. Our customer didn’t need to juggle vendors—we kept everything on track and on time.
The Outcome: Dependability Restored
The biggest win? Restoring our customer’s confidence. Now, they have a dependable flow of high-quality parts, delivered on their schedule. No more scrambling. No more compromises. Just clear communication, proactive planning, and consistent delivery.
"We didn’t just create a Kanban system. We created confidence." – Kyle Ellis, CEO/President
That level of trust grows stronger with every project. This story isn’t a one-off. Too many companies come to us after being let down by vendors who overpromise and underdeliver.
At TORQ, we do things differently. We plan ahead; we solve problems before they start, and most importantly, we take ownership, every step of the way. Even when things go a little sideways, we are transparent about obstacles and have the ingenuity and integrity to step up, communicate with the customer about what’s going on and resolve any issues. Because in our shop, relationships matter just as much as results.
So, whether you’re in defense or any other sector that demands precision and consistency, we’re ready to help.
