One of OEMs’ biggest aftermarket business challenges remains meeting end-user expectations on obsolescence. However, OEMs may be able to better fit end-users’ needs with their ranking of expectations for suppliers, which include part availability, maintenance, and operator training.
That’s according to PMMI Business Intelligence’s “Aftermarket Parts & Services” report, which explores growth in the aftermarket space, end user expectations, emerging technologies, and actionable recommendations for OEMs and their suppliers to improve services. The report’s findings are based on the opinions gathered from 132 industry participants of end users (61% CPGs and CMs/CPs) and OEMs (39%).
When asked what the three most important OEM capabilities are when requesting aftermarket parts and services, end users gave telling responses. 75% of respondents indicated in-stock availability of standard parts and quick leads times for critical parts as a tie for the top expectation. Meanwhile, 29% said predictive maintenance schedules and training services for operators were the next most important.
These indications make sense, given end-users’ ranking of their single greatest challenge in the year ahead. 29% of respondents noted lead times as the top obstacle, 24% said availability, and 17% pointed to rising costs.
One industry professional captured the importance of OEM delivery and lead times with a financial and relational insight.
“When we can't count on timely parts and services, it significantly impacts revenue and our relationships with our clients if we can’t meet their deadlines,” said an industrial engineer for a contract packager/contract manufacturer of shelf stable foods.
SOURCE: PMMI Business Intelligence: 2025 Aftermarket Parts & Services
For more insights from PMMI’s Business Intelligence team, find reports, including “2025 Performance Optimization: Insights for Packaging Line Readiness” and “2025 Beverage Industry Packaging Trends” at pmmi.org/business-intelligence.
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