Why Most Indian Fasteners Don’t Get OEM Approvals (And How to Fix It — Practically) | Arslok

Lead Content Writer, Arslok
Oct 22
4 min read

Arslok — India’s #1 B2B Marketing Partner for Fasteners & Industrial Manufacturers

Introduction: The Harsh Reality Behind OEM Rejections

India is the world’s second-largest producer of fasteners, yet when it comes to OEM approvals — whether in automotive, engineering, or industrial assemblies — most Indian manufacturers fail to cross the line.

The result? European, Japanese, and American fastener suppliers continue to dominate global OEM supply chains, while Indian brands remain stuck in Tier-2 or Tier-3 vendor lists.

The problem isn’t lack of capability — it’s a mix of perception, process, and presentation.

1. The Real Reasons Indian Fasteners Don’t Get OEM Approvals

(A) Incomplete Technical Documentation

OEMs don’t buy fasteners — they buy trust and traceability.

Most Indian fastener companies fail at the very first stage because they lack:

PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) documentation
Dimensional & Material traceability reports
Process flow charts, control plans, and FMEA documentation
Consistent batch-level inspection reports

Even though production quality might be good, absence of documentation = absence of credibility.

(B) Lack of Process Validation

OEMs demand process consistency, not random quality.

Issues commonly seen:

No SPC (Statistical Process Control) data to prove repeatability
Non-standard heat treatment validation
Lack of process audits or machine calibration logs

Many factories in India can make quality fasteners, but can’t prove that every batch is consistent.

(C) Weak Branding & Presentation

An often-ignored factor: Perception.

OEMs look for partners who “look capable” even before technical audits begin.

Many Indian companies lose confidence points right at the profile stage due to:

Outdated catalogs, PDF designs, and unprofessional websites
Poor email communication and grammar
No global certifications highlighted properly (ISO, IATF, etc.)
No brand story or engineering credibility visible online

Even top-quality manufacturers appear local instead of global.

(D) Misaligned Communication With OEM Engineers

OEM engineers speak the language of specifications, torque, and tolerances, not “best quality, best rate.”

Indian sales teams often talk commercial, while OEM buyers talk engineering.

This mismatch destroys credibility — even before the price discussion starts.

(E) No Long-Term Approach to Qualification

OEM approvals are not one-time purchases — they’re multi-stage technical journeys.

Most Indian companies approach it like a “sales deal” rather than a qualification process.

Without strategic patience, documentation discipline, and branding consistency, they lose momentum after the first or second rejection.

2. The Fix: How to Actually Get OEM Approvals

(1) Build a Qualification-Ready Documentation System

Start with building a structured, digital “OEM Qualification File” that includes:

Material Certificates (Mill Test Reports)
Process Flow Charts
Inspection & Testing Records (Torque, Tensile, Coating Thickness)
Control Plans and FMEA
Traceability Codes per Batch

This builds trust before inspection even starts.

(2) Standardize Quality Processes

Implement and maintain:

ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 (for automotive)
Calibration schedules for gauges and torque tools
In-house SPC and MSA (Measurement System Analysis) reports

Make your process repeatability visible — not just your product quality.

(3) Redefine Your Brand Identity for OEMs

Your brand presentation is your first inspection.

Redesign your visual communication to speak the OEM language:

Modern corporate profile + technical product sheets
A high-credibility website with certifications, processes, and test capabilities
Case studies of successful supplies and customer testimonials
Professionally written LinkedIn content showing technical depth

Branding is not cosmetics — it’s part of the approval process.

(4) Train Your Sales Team to Speak “Engineering”

OEM buyers are engineers before they are buyers.

Train your team to discuss:

Standards (DIN, ISO, ASTM, BS)
Torque values, tensile strengths, and coatings
Fitment and functional requirements

This creates respect and confidence in your brand.

(5) Approach Approvals as a Process, Not a Pitch

Understand that OEM approvals come after repeated validation.

Set a 12-month plan with measurable steps:

Pre-qualification communication
Sample submission
Dimensional & performance validation
Pilot lot supply
Final vendor registration

Approach it strategically — like a project, not a quotation.

3. How Arslok Helps Fastener Companies Get OEM Approvals (Practically)

At Arslok, we’ve worked closely with Indian fastener manufacturers who wanted to move from supplier to strategic partner.

We’ve seen where they fail — and we’ve built systems to fix it.

Here’s how we help you get OEM-ready — inside and out:

✅ Technical Branding Foundation

We build your OEM-grade profile kit, catalogs, and website — designed specifically for industrial buyers and engineering teams.

✅ Lead & Approval Communication Strategy

We craft a professional outreach system with correct technical language, follow-up structure, and credibility building — so your first impression matches international standards.

✅ Process Presentation Tools

From flow diagrams to inspection report templates, we help you create a qualification-ready presentation pack that passes OEM scrutiny.

✅ Sales & Technical Training for Teams

Through our Fastener Sales Training Framework, we train your team to communicate with engineering precision — turning your sales approach from “quotation” to “qualification.”

✅ Authority Positioning for Directors

We elevate your founder and brand identity across LinkedIn and industry platforms — so when an OEM Googles your company, they see leadership, expertise, and trust.