How do you choose a manufacturer?
When you have a product, an idea or a vision, who do you trust to bring it to life? With so many options and enticing pricing from companies overseas, there are many considerations when choosing a manufacturer for your product. Right now, rising costs of living (and business) and lasting effects of Covid on the transport of goods around the world mean this is a tough decision, with little margin for error.
It’s a decision we are very familiar with. Laser Cutting Services is proudly located in the UK, but with a global reach. With over 30 years of experience in delivering bespoke projects to brands and businesses worldwide. You will have seen our products in action during sports events… we know that bringing your logo, design or product to life requires an exacting eye for quality. Here, we look at some of the advantages of choosing manufacturing companies in the UK and why – for many – the UK is a competitive choice.
Timing is crucial in getting any project to completion. Choosing a UK company means:
Overseas shipping for large, bulky, or unusually sized projects can get expensive. With larger orders, customs checks, additional documentation, taxes and impractical requirements can slow you down and eat into your budget.
At Laser Cutting Services, we are one of the few laser cutting companies in the UK capable of making super large stencils or laser cutting for large or challenging projects; it requires a particular skill-set and expertise to work to tight deadlines, whilst maintaining the quality of product and service required.
Not all manufacturers are created equal – no matter where you buy! But, we know how important it is to build a rapport with your customers. Our process is simple, and we’re on hand at every step. So, whether you’re working with sheet plastics, fabrics, wood or paper/card, you can be assured that you’re getting the best outcome. Our relationships with our customers ensures they get the best service, and we get repeat orders.
Overseas companies often have a high minimum order – the cost and time involved in transport makes this a sensible requirement. But at the UK-based Laser Cutting Services our minimum order is small enough that we can cater to smaller companies too.
From McLaren to Virgin, we have a range of happy clients across many industries. Our customer service is of paramount importance, whether we’re making products for direct food application, large-scale branding materials, or creating bespoke pieces for display. We deliver to organisations, nonprofits, global corporations and start-ups.
Communication is at the heart of good customer service. Common communication breakdowns include:
As a UK manufacturer, we are here to discuss even the most minute measurement, which makes getting what you actually ordered much more likely.
TroubleshootingMistakes happen. But if you can speak to someone on the phone and correct the issue, it can reduce a lot of stress. If you are working with an overseas company in a different time zone, your only course of contact may be via email, which can be frustrating and time consuming.
The rising costs for shipping and manufacturing overseas means that offshoring is not always the cost-effective option it once was. The fluctuating value of currency can cause large variations in the prices paid for goods. Hidden costs caused by language barrier mix-ups, shipping costs and transport times can all add to your bottom line.
Sourcing from the UK has many advantages that can help reduce the overall environmental impact of your company. The most obvious impact is on your carbon footprint, as you reduce the overall travel of your product. But it doesn’t end there – your business can play a part in supporting the UK economy growth, bolsters the local economy and creates jobs – just by sourcing locally! You may find there is also greater transparency in your supply chain, enabling you to take greater control of your sustainability and sourcing.
Of course, not all manufacturers are the same, and whether you’re looking for manufacturers in the UK or beyond, these observations come from our own experience.
But that experience has been 30 years in the making. We have grown into an interdisciplinary team that specialises in designing and manufacturing custom wall stencils, extra-large stencils, intricate laser cutting projects, engraving and rastering. We are doing increasingly more high-volume manufacturing jobs from our UK base, and we are ready to bring your vision to life. Contact us now to get started.
Email [email protected].
Call 0161 989 0847.
