Quality
Quality, Integrity, and Consistency
How We Source Our Metals
We are committed to sourcing the highest-quality metals through a carefully controlled and ethical supply chain. Our sourcing process prioritizes:
- Proximity to Our Facility: We procure metals as close to our facility as possible to reduce transportation time, ensure faster production, and maintain a reliable supply chain.
- Strict Regulations Compliance: All materials adhere to stringent industry and government regulations, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability.
- Uncompromising Quality Control: Every batch of metal undergoes rigorous testing and inspections to guarantee consistency, purity, and performance.
- Conflict-Free Sourcing: We ensure that all materials are ethically sourced and free from conflict zones, supporting responsible global trade.
- A Consistent Process: Our well-established sourcing protocols allow us to maintain a steady and predictable supply of high-quality metals for our customers.
Certifications
ITAR / DFARS Compliance
At Thomas & Skinner, we are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards and full compliance with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) to support critical defense and aerospace applications. Our adherence to these regulations ensures that our materials meet domestic sourcing requirements, reinforcing national security and supply chain integrity.
DFARS & The Specialty Metals Clause
The Specialty Metals Clause, originally established under the Berry Amendment in 1973, was created to safeguard the domestic industrial base for defense production. Now located in DFARS 252.225-7009 – Restriction on Acquisition of Certain Articles Containing Specialty Metals, this regulation requires that specialty metals used in Department of Defense (DOD) contracts must be melted in the United States or a qualifying country to ensure a secure and reliable supply of critical materials.
This regulation applies to specialty metals including:
- Certain steel alloys, titanium, zirconium, and other high-performance metal alloys used in defense applications.
- Thomas & Skinner’s product line, including:
- Alnico Magnets
- Transformer Laminations made from GOES (Grain Oriented Electrical Steel)
- Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHAs)
By adhering to DFARS 252.225-7009, we help maintain a strong domestic supply chain, ensuring that the defense and aerospace industries have access to high-quality, U.S.-melted specialty metals, even in times of conflict or national emergency.
At Thomas & Skinner, we take our role in defense and aerospace manufacturing seriously, ensuring that our materials not only meet the highest quality and performance standards but also fully comply with DFARS and ITAR regulations. Our customers can trust that they are receiving U.S.-compliant specialty metals essential for mission-critical applications.
For more information about our ITAR and DFARS-compliant products, contact us today.
Resource Links:
10 USC §4863. Requirement to buy strategic materials critical to national security from American sources; exceptions
10 USC §4872: Acquisition of sensitive materials from non-allied foreign nations: prohibition
DDTC (Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls)
The Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is charged with controlling the export and temporary import of defense articles and defense services described on the USML, in accordance with the AECA and the ITAR. DDTC seeks to facilitate legitimate defense trade to partners and allies, while denying adversaries access to sensitive U.S. technology. DDTC’s mission is to ensure commercial exports of defense articles and defense services advance U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives. The Arms Export Control Act requires that any person who engages in the United States in the business of manufacturing, exporting, temporarily importing, or furnishing defense services , and any person who engages in brokering activities involving defense articles and services, is required to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Thomas & Skinner is registered with the US State Department. The registration letter can be found here.
Metal Sourcing
Why This Matters to You
Our meticulous approach to quality directly benefits our customers by ensuring:
- Superior Product Quality: Consistently high-quality raw materials result in superior magnetic materials, tungsten heavy alloys, and transformer laminations.
- Reliable Supply Chain: By sourcing materials efficiently and ethically, we minimize production delays and ensure on-time delivery for our customers.
- Risk Reduction: Compliance with strict regulations and conflict-free sourcing eliminates legal, ethical, and performance risks for your business.
- Sustainable and Ethical Production: Our commitment to responsible sourcing helps support environmental sustainability and fair labor practices.
- Supports National Security: Ensures defense-critical materials are sourced from secure and approved suppliers.
- Meets Government & Military Standards: Guarantees compliance with DOD contracts and procurement regulations.
- Reliable Supply Chain: Strengthens domestic manufacturing capabilities and prevents reliance on foreign sources.
By choosing Thomas & Skinner, you are partnering with a company that prioritizes integrity, reliability, and excellence at every step, from raw materials to final product.
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