Local metal work engineering.
Many local metal work engineering companies like ours, and even some global manufacturers, feel vulnerable and too reliant on China. Price increases and supply problems are always in our minds – and in our P&Ls for that matter.
There was a time when offshore metal work engineering reduced costs, but several factors continue to make reshoring appealing.
Increasing costs in developing countries
Increasing labour costs in developing countries around the world, especially in Asia, costs are increasing. As of 1st August 2021, Beijing increased its monthly minimum wage to 2,320 yuan from 2,200 yuan.
Shipping costs
Shipping costs are also becoming prohibitive – they have risen almost 10-fold and often with no guaranteed delivery dates.
So… let’s bring more metal work engineering back home!
Reshoring to the UK is now looking like a much better value option – but it’s not all about cost.
Shop fitters and designers have had to get used to the Far East’s mass production of shop fittings. Working around constraints, like huge volume requirements and inflexibility, has become common place. Conversely by reshoring to the UK, shop fitters and designers can enjoy mass customisation. Bespoke high-quality shop fittings manufactured locally, flexibly, and without the huge quantities and frustrating communication challenges, are once again an option.
Layouts and displays can be completely tailored to individual stores or regional requirements. No more compromises!
Shopping online is easy and very comfortable. Getting shoppers back to high streets, shopping centres and into independents will needs all the help we can give. More frequent re-fits to attract footfall, and great shop fittings, which display products to their best effect will play a huge part in bricks and mortar success through 2022 onwards.
