Bossard Group: Tesla’s Preferred Fastener Supplier

In the competitive world of automotive manufacturing, innovation alone is not enough for success—reliable supply chains are equally essential. For instance, Tesla–a leading force in the electric vehicle (EV) industry–once collaborated with Bossard Group, a Swiss-based provider of fasteners and logistics solutions. Although their formal contract concluded in 2017, the contributions they made during that period are noteworthy. After reading this blog, readers will understand how Bossard’s parts and services aided Tesla’s manufacturing capabilities, illustrating the value of implementing partnerships in modern production operations.

Bossard Group’s Capabilities

Founded in 1831 in Zug, Switzerland, Bossard Group has evolved from a regional hardware supplier into a globally recognized provider of fastening technology and smart logistics solutions. Operating across more than 80 locations worldwide, the heart of this company’s success lies in its extensive product portfolio, which encompasses over one million fastener types ranging from standard industrial hardware to highly specialized components.

However, Bossard’s value extends far beyond standard parts supply. The company also provides advanced support services that set it apart in a competitive market. Among these is its Smart Factory Logistics platform, a digital inventory management system designed to eliminate supply bottlenecks and reduce manual oversight through:

• SmartBin and SmartLabel systems for automated parts replenishment
• Real-time inventory visibility with seamless ERP integration
• Predictive analytics to proactively mitigate stockouts and ensure production continuity

More than that, Bossard also delivers high-level engineering consultation through its Assembly Technology Expert (ATE) program. This initiative allows manufacturers to optimize fastening design early in the product lifecycle, with services that include:

• Aiding in the selection of ideal fasteners based on material properties, structural loads, and fatigue criteria
• Testing and prototyping within ISO-accredited laboratories
• Recommendations to reduce assembly complexity, saving time and cost in downstream production

As such, Bossard offers a cohesive support structure that is particularly well-suited to high-volume, innovation-driven manufacturers.

The Tesla Contract

This combination of robust product supply, technical consulting, and smart logistics ultimately positioned Bossard Group as a strategic partner for Tesla. In March 2014, Tesla awarded Bossard a three-year contract valued at approximately USD?140?million. This agreement significantly expanded upon their existing partnership, which had already been active during the development and production ramp-up of the Model?S.

Product Supply

Under this agreement, Bossard provided a broad spectrum of fastening solutions engineered to meet the demanding standards of Tesla's electric vehicles. These included:

• High-strength bolts and screws for structural components such as chassis, battery enclosures, and powertrain assemblies
• Rivets, clips, and application-specific fasteners designed for automated assembly lines and lightweight composite materials

Engineering Support

Leveraging its ATE program, Bossard also worked closely with Tesla’s engineering teams in the early design stages. This collaboration involved:

• Advising on fastener selection based on composite, aluminum, and steel interactions
• Supporting rapid prototyping and part testing within Bossard’s ISO-certified labs
• Reducing integration complexity to help Tesla meet aggressive production timelines

This level of engineering involvement was critical during the early scale-up of Tesla’s operations, directly assisting in their product quality and manufacturability.

Logistics Implementation

Bossard also deployed its Smart Factory Logistics systems across Tesla’s manufacturing environment, which included:

• Implementation of SmartBin inventory systems along key assembly lines
• Establishment of a regional distribution hub near Tesla’s Fremont facility for just-in-time delivery

This setup reduced manual handling, prevented stockouts, and supported continuous production under tight timelines.

A Time-Limited Yet Influential Partnership

While their formal contract was not publicly renewed thereafter, the impact of this partnership remains evident. Bossard’s logistical systems and engineering frameworks continued to influence Tesla’s production model beyond the formal contract period, reflecting the enduring value of their early collaboration. Tesla gained:

• A dependable supply of high-performance fastening components
• Expert guidance on fastener integration tailored to EV-specific materials
• Digitized inventory systems that reduced operational disruptions

Meanwhile, Bossard benefitted through:

• Earning a prominent role in a high-visibility, high-growth manufacturing venture
• Validation of its Smart Factory and ATE service models
• Expansion of its North American market presence and increased brand credibility in the EV sector

Smooth Sourcing through Proven Partnerships

Bossard Group’s fastener and logistics contributions during its 2014-2017 contract with Tesla exemplify the advantage of sourcing from a single, integrated supplier in order to meet the complex demands of modern production environments. For companies that are seeking streamlined, dependable procurement of high-quality fasteners and more, distributors like ASAP Semiconductor stand out.

Our website features many Bossard Group products and items from thousands of other trustworthy entities, all of which are subject to quality assurance measures and conform to relevant documentation standards. As such, we help customers meet diverse and rigorous requirements in one location, all while presenting them with competitive and tailored solutions. See why so many customers steadily depend on us as their go-to procurement platform when you explore our offerings and get in touch with our team.