ICT Manufacturing Blog
ICT Manufacturing Blog
10 Reasons Your Global Sourcing Program Isn’t Working (And How a Supply Chain Consulting Firm Fixes It)
7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Fastener VMI Program (and How to Fix Them)
Custom Plastic Injection Molding vs. Metal Casting: Which Process Actually Cuts Your Total Landed Cost?
Do You Really Need a Turnkey Contract Manufacturer? Here’s the Truth About Multi-Process Components
Precision CNC Machining vs. Precision Metal Stamping: How to Pick the Right Process When Tolerances Get Tight
Why Engineering-Driven Sourcing Beats Brokerage Every Time
Medical Device Manufacturing: Why Orthopedic Trials Require Specialized Plastic and Metal Sourcing
How to Transition Your OEM Fastener Spend to VMI Without Production Downtime
Understanding AGMA Tolerance Classes for Industrial Gear Sourcing
Sourcing Complex Automotive Seat Track Systems: What Procurement Teams Miss
Why Toyota Production System (TPS) Principles Matter in Global Contract Manufacturing
The Hidden Costs of Managing Multiple Single-Source Component Suppliers
Precision Machining Standards for Self-Defense and Firearm Components
How to Audit a Metal Casting Supplier Before Signing an OEM Contract
Navigating Global Metal Pricing Indexes: Steel, Aluminum, and OEM Sourcing
Sourcing Precision Assemblies: From Single Parts to Complete Turnkey Production
Swiss CNC Turning vs. Traditional Lathes: When Precision Is Non-Negotiable
How to Eliminate Quality Escape Risks in Offshore Manufacturing Programs
Investment Casting Design Guidelines for Complex OEM Geometries
Custom Fastener Engineering: Standard Grades vs. Custom Alloy Specifications
Blog — FAQ
About This Blog & ICT Manufacturing
Who writes the ICT Manufacturing / ICT blog?
ICT Manufacturing’s executive team, led by CEO Michael Musleh, writes and reviews all content on this blog. Michael brings 25+ years of global purchasing and sourcing experience across Fortune 500 companies including Zimmer Biomet, Finish Line, Oerlikon/Fairfield Manufacturing, and Douglas Autotech (JTEKT). He holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Toyota Production System / TPM certification. Content reflects active program experience not secondary research or content marketing.
What is ICT Manufacturing, and what was it previously called?
ICT Manufacturing is a white-glove contract manufacturing and global sourcing consultancy based in Auburn, Indiana – formerly known as Indiana Trade & Consulting (ICT). The company manages end-to-end manufacturing programs for OEM manufacturers and Tier 1/2 suppliers across 32 countries, with regional offices in Pune India, Malaysia, Singapore, and China. Contact: 765-413-4188 · mmusleh@inconsultingandtrade.com.
What topics does the ICT Manufacturing blog cover?
The blog covers six primary topic clusters: India sourcing and trade policy (US-India trade regulations, FTAs, bilateral momentum); castings and foundry (sand casting, investment casting, die casting, process selection); CNC machining and precision (turning, milling, Swiss turning, process tradeoffs); APQP/PPAP and quality (supplier qualification, audit methodology, Toyota Production System); medical and orthopedic sourcing (ISO 13485, surgical instruments, device sourcing); and fasteners, VMI, and supply chain strategy.
Is the content on this blog based on real sourcing experience?
Yes. Every article on the ICT Manufacturing blog is written from active program experience. The executive team has personally managed the programs described including APQP/PPAP submissions for offshore suppliers, in-country supplier audits in India and Southeast Asia, tariff classification and trade risk management, and total landed cost modeling across 32 countries. Where directional figures are used, they are clearly labeled and sourced from industry benchmarks or MTD’s own program data.
How can I contact ICT Manufacturing after reading the blog?
To start a sourcing program or discuss your manufacturing challenge, submit an RFQ at inconsultingandtrade.com/rfq/ or contact the team directly at 765-413-4188 or mmusleh@inconsultingandtrade.com. ICT Manufacturing responds to all inquiries within one business day. The team is headquartered in Auburn, Indiana, with regional offices in Pune India, Malaysia, Singapore, and China.
Work With ICT Manufacturing
Ready to Start a Sourcing Program?
Submit your part specs and program requirements. ICT Manufacturing responds within one business day with a country recommendation and supplier match.
