UK manufacturing has faced several challenges in recent years, including competition from overseas markets and the rising cost of energy. This has led to some businesses closing and others moving their operations overseas.
Despite these challenges, UK manufacturing remains a strong and important sector of the economy. We ourselves understand and reap the benefits as our three inhouse surface mount machines are built and supported by a UK team.
There are several benefits to working with a UK manufacturer like us;
Supplier Resilience:
When you get your goods manufactured in the UK there are fewer risks to your supply chain. You don’t need to import your finished products from abroad where restrictions or additional costs could be on the horizon and you reduce lead times.
Greater Quality Control:
UK manufacturers are held to UK standards in their production processes. The UK has strict laws in place that ensure that products are being made consistently with quality control measures to the approved industry standards. A Squared is certified to the ISO9001 quality management system and has a team of IPC accredited specialists in IPC 7711/21 and IPC-A-610. With being ‘local’, we welcome our customers to come and visit the factory and inspect the production line themselves.
Shorter Lead Times:
Buying from a UK supplier means a quicker turn around as the goods spend less time being transported to you. Working with other UK businesses means we can offer completed orders for next-day delivery around the country.
Smaller Minimum Order Quantities:
When ordering with international suppliers, larger minimum order quantities are required but might not actually be needed by the customer. With using manufacturers in the UK smaller, regular batches can often be fulfilled. Here at A Squared we are able to complete small prototype and large production runs within our well-equipped facilities, giving our customers increased flexibility and cash flow control.
Better Communication:
Working with a supplier in another country can quickly become frustrating. With differences in time zones, languages, and domestic markets, it can be very challenging to communicate your needs. Being able to meet in person, have a conversation over the phone, or remain in regular contact is extremely beneficial. A Squared works along side you in partnership to develop and deliver your requirements within the time frame requested and to the highest quality by our certified technicians.
Sustainability:
Local manufacturing can have a positive impact on the environment. By reducing the distance over which products need to be shipped and minimising storage requirements, localising the supply chain helps to cut damaging carbon emissions and reduce energy consumption. We like to be environmentally conscious here at A Squared as we know a lot of companies are too.
As a family run business in the South West of England, we work closely with our customers and have open lines of communication and always welcome clients to visit us. We do our best to be competitive in all that we do whilst still maintaining the highest standard of quality.
While offshore manufacturing will always have certain benefits over the UK manufacturing, there are certainly some areas that companies in the UK outshine them in. ‘Keeping it local’ and supporting our own economy hasn’t ever been more valuable to the customer and the bigger picture.
A Squared celebrates UK manufacturing and is proud to offer a service that’s UK managed and controlled.
