Manufacturing Survey 2015: Reshoring on the rise

THE manufacturing supply chain has encountered many problems over the past decade and not all businesses have been skilful enough to survive.

Click here to take our 2015 Manufacturing Survey

The rise of high volume, low-cost manufacturing in the emerging markets of China and the Far East has crippled the industrial landscape as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) looked to protect their bottom line by sourcing components as cheaply as they could.

However, British companies have been fighting back of late and slowly the tide of cheap components flooding into the UK is turning. The situation has benefited from a change in approach by the OEMs who, mindful of the need to protect their prestige products, are keen to source only the highest quality parts from a shorter and more accountable supply base.

As a result, many suppliers are now looking to reshore far more of their production operation and while there are costs to be considered with improving in-house capabilities, many firms are finding an enlightened attitude amongst their banks and other funding bodies.

They are also being tutored in new systems and practices, such as lean manufacturing and skills development, as they look to improve their offering.

TheBusinessDesk.com and international law firm Squire Patton Boggs are currently looking to gauge levels of confidence within the manufacturing sector and to determine what businesses want to see happen over the course of the next 12 months.

A key aspect of this will be a survey, running across all three of our regions, which can be completed here.
 
It addresses key topics such as skills shortages, the supply chain, education, EU membership, access to finance, energy and re-shoring.
 
Once complete, we will gather the data and use the insight to set the agenda for a series of round tables in May and June with leaders of manufacturing businesses and sector experts, which will then be published on our website later in the summer.

Rob Elvin, office managing partner at Squire Patton Boggs in Manchester, said: “There has been much discussion around reshoring and how manufacturers are improving their profitability through the use of shorter supply chains.  

“We are keen to gauge what actions manufacturers are taking; whether they are relocating production, exploring the use of new technologies or perhaps collaborating more closely with suppliers.  What are the challenges they face in optimising their supply chain?”

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