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Client
U.S. steel mill
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Supplier
Korean refractory manufacturer
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Location
Korea → U.S. Chicago FTZ
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Service Type
U.S. Import & FTZ Integration
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Duration
8 weeks
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Outcome
0 downtime, stable 72-hour emergency capability
A major U.S. steel mill required stable BOF, Ladle, and Tundish refractory supply. GI implemented an FTZ-based import and inventory model ensuring uninterrupted operations and improved supply reliability.
Challenge
- • Lead-time variance ±22%
- • Refractory shortage → immediate line stoppage risk
- • Unpredictable port congestion & customs delays
- • Monthly usage 70–110 tons
- • Required: 2-month safety stock, 95% on-time dispatch
GI Solution
- ① Technical Validation & SKU Modeling
• Tested 7 SKUs for strength, density, thermal shock resistance, slag resistance
• Validated packaging, moisture sensitivity, and batch stability
- ② FTZ-Based Inbound & Inventory Control
• Implemented inbound flow via Chicago FTZ
• Established 2-month safety stock
• Consolidated weekly FTZ entries for predictable duty flow
- ③ Emergency Dispatch & Visibility
• Set a 72-hour emergency dispatch protocol
• Delivered weekly inventory, lot, and aging reports
Results
- • Lead-time variance: ±7%
- • Emergency dispatch: 72 hours
- • Downtime: 0 cases
- • Duty cash-flow improvement: +32%
- • Inventory variance: ≤5%
Client Feedback
— Operations Manager, U.S. Steel Mill
“GI’s FTZ model and weekly visibility reporting eliminated the uncertainty we had lived with for years. Lead-time consistency and emergency readiness improved far beyond expectations.” |
