RESHORING | Engineering Capacity
Why use UK-based suppliers?
Onshoring is becoming increasingly popular as large businesses turn to UK-based suppliers to increase efficiency in the supply chain within a turbulent global climate. SMEs can also benefit from adopting this strategy as Jim Griffin, MD of automotive manufacturer Interflex explains. Onshoring at Interflex We began work on our own onshoring in 2021 while we were struggling with the impact of Covid restrictions. We examined data for our suppliers to evaluate standards around quality, delivery, performance and price. By identifying the worst performing suppliers, we found two key areas to focus on – moulded components and sound absorption materials. We considered using new suppliers in the UK and 34
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producing these goods ourselves. This led to significant investment in our facilities to produce compression moulded components and the sourcing of sound absorption materials with two UK suppliers. We also funded a new moulding cell which was delayed due to Covid but is now fully functioning. As we progressed, the impact of the Ukraine war further amplified the business case for onshoring due to the resulting rising costs of materials, transport and energy. Efficiency In my 36 years in manufacturing, mainly in the automotive sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand the OEM reliance on global sourcing. Due to this, I’m committed to moving as much of our supply chain to the UK as possible, or at least as close as we can within Europe.
One of the biggest benefits of doing this is that the time from placing an order to receiving it is greatly reduced. This is because there is far less potential for the delays that are so familiar thanks to post-Brexit customs red tape, transport disruption such as blockages in the Suez Canal and a volatile global climate - including the war in Ukraine, widespread strike action and the recent global issue with semiconductors. Agility Using a UK-based supplier means you have more control over receiving a high-quality product, tailored to your needs - and often with a smaller minimum order quantity. At Interflex, when we source a product from as nearby as Germany, we still need to order a 40ft trailer’s worth to make it viable, whereas we can have a JULY 2023