Here’s why you should ask where wheelchairs are manufactured before placing an order.
You may be surprised, but when it comes to wheelchairs, the phrase “Made in North America” can be misleading.
Made in North America
Some manufacturers only claim to make their products in North America. Instead, they purchase wheelchair frames from overseas locations, such as China. The company’s local factory only does the final assembly and finishing touches. On the other hand, Broda truly designs and builds our chairs and wheelchairs 100% in North America.
Manufactured in North America
When we say our wheelchairs are manufactured in North America, we mean that our employees design, engineer, and build our products in our local factory.
We manufacture all Broda wheelchairs, shower commodes, and behavioral gliders at our facility in Kitchener, Ontario using high-quality materials. The Broda factory crafts each wheelchair frame with 16-gague steel and assembles the components to fit your specifications. Then, our expert local team members paint and upholster the wheelchairs according to your preferences.
Why it Matters
Faster Lead times
Wheelchairs manufactured in North America have faster delivery times and a shorter average lead time than those made overseas. That lead time can get even longer depending on the time of year and international challenges. For example, the coronavirus pandemic, delayed overseas shipping, and various cultural holidays can affect shipping times. If it’s a priority to receive your new wheelchair as soon as possible, then purchase from a company that manufactures their products nearby.
Quality Control
Because a local, qualified employee oversees every stage of the manufacturing process, we can do more quality assurance testing. That’s why wheelchairs manufactured in North America often have a strong warranty. In fact, Broda has one of the best warranties in the business.
When you buy a Broda wheelchair, you receive an industry-leading 10-year warranty that covers the expected lifetime of the wheelchair’s frame. Each part also comes with a 2-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Price
Wheelchairs manufactured overseas might be less expensive than wheelchairs manufactured in North America, but you may sacrifice quality and price stability. With a high-quality wheelchair made in North America, you will not have to purchase as many replacement parts as you would from a cheaper, overseas manufacturer, saving you money in the long run. International politics also play a role in pricing. For example, trade costs such as tariffs and inflated shipping costs may cause unforeseen price increases.
By purchasing a Canadian-made wheelchair, shower commode, or behavioral glider from Broda, you can be confident that you’re receiving a top-quality product that will be safe, comfortable, and will last for years to come.
