You’ve heard the saying: You get what you pay for.
“Knock offs,” or unlicensed imitation parts, have been around a long time. Companies that lack experience, expertise, process and procedure will jump into an industry and manufacture sub-par parts because it’s quick money. Then, when the frugal purchasing agent considers initial purchase cost only (not other factors such as safety or long-term wear and replacement costs), the knock off looks great!
But the risks of purchasing such a knock off could be huge.
While the initial cost savings might look appealing, the mid- and long-term expenses associated with parts that wear out prematurely or fail all together can be disproportionately higher. And it’s more than just the monetary risk associated with a sub-par, knock off product: the safety risks associated with failing locomotive parts could cause irreparable harm to a company’s reputation.
So, “Is the money saved on a cheap knock off worth it?”
For over 30 years, Miller Felpax has been the leader in state of the art production of quality, locomotive gearcase seals. With its own in-house testing facility, as well as independent third party testing, Miller Felpax has unmatched gearcase seal technical expertise to stand behind the company’s seal designs. The unmatched testing, lean methodology and manufacturing processes have lead to an extremely high quality product that performs particularly well in the very harsh, demanding railroad environment. While competitors have attempted to copy Miller Felpax parts, Miller Felpax guarantees OEM performance and quality that others have not been able to duplicate with “knock-off” versions. Any railroad concerned with safety, performance and longevity of parts calls on Miller Felpax.
“Our customers have come to rely on us for locomotive gearcase seals that they know will last,” said Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Dave Fisher. “Our quality control is second to none and we stand behind our manufacturing to guarantee satisfaction. When a railroad makes a purchase from Miller Felpax, they know they are getting an excellent product,” Fisher added. “Choosing Miller Felpax isn’t only about making the best purchasing decision, it’s about the safety and well-being of those involved in the rail industry. An original, high quality part manufactured under the strictest guidelines means peace of mind for our customers.”
Miller Felpax, the original inventor and manufacturer of traction motor gearcase seals and support bearing lubricators, for both EMD and GE locomotives, provides the highest quality and most complete line of OEM seal technology for the rail industry.
In 2010, Miller Felpax underwent a major manufacturing facility upgrade to provide increased flexibility, more efficient ordering and increased capacity. The improvements have lead to a shorter lead times, and superior product consistency
Any railroad concerned with service, safety, performance and longevity of parts calls on Miller Felpax – because the risk is to great not to call us.
Miller Felpax Corporation is pleased to announce that it carries a full line of EMD locomotive truck parts including components on the newer radial/steerable truck.
