Mapping the UK’s engineering supply chain
Reshoring UK is a newly developed collaboration of industrial engineering and technology associations who work together to assist manufactured connect with suppliers that match their requirements.
The approach adopted will demonstrate to OEMs and Tier 1 manufacturing companies the extent and strength of the engineering supply chain available in the UK.
It will assist the high tech industry sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, defence, renewable energy and power generation, marine, medical, rail, packaging and so on, that need to fill the gaps or strengthen existing supply chains or to support the creation of new ones.
“It is focused on building a connected network. Leading industrial and technological associations are working in collaboration to offer the various skill sets that cover the whole supply chain,” said Julia Moore, CEO of the GTMA, one of the key associations backing the initiative.
She added: “From concept to product and process design, through process engineering, tooling and methods to finishing and inspection, all the way to delivery to the end customer, there is a structured approach that will help eliminate the gaps in any established supply chains or provide the opportunity for new ones to be formed.”
As well as the GTMA, the other key associations currently supporting the facility include British Measurement and Testing Association, Engineering Industries Association, Cast Metals Federation, Metal Working Machinery Manufacturers Association, Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association.
The Reshoring UK website allows visitors to appreciate the extent of suppliers and to ‘zoom’ into a regional area allowing for a specific search for a particular category.
By clicking on a category on the online map of the UK the selection will pinpoint companies within their geographical locations and by clicking on the pin this will provide a brief description of their capabilities
A star symbol represents a full profile, allowing for direct contact with the named company. So, it becomes a simple task to step through the support required for any supply chain, building up a list of trusted and accredited suppliers capable of delivering the required products and services supported through the appropriate Trade Association.
“With nearly 3,000 companies already populating the website and other trade partners in the wings we feel confident that we can help any business find the suppliers it needs,” concluded Ms Moore.
