(First Published in Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce – Business News, Winter 2024)
In 2023, White Horse Plastics assisted AFIA with the reshoring of 19 injection mould tools from China, so a new era of production could begin in the UK. They now manufacture a range of cups and medical aids at their premises in Oxfordshire.
The advantages of reshoring are clear – by moving manufacturers closer to home, a company reduces its carbon footprint, saves on transport costs and has more control over its supply chain. However, there are risks involved – moving mould tools from China to the UK is a logistical feat that requires time, experience and an established process. The UK manufacturer must complete the transfer quickly and deliver quality, affordable products in the UK without disrupting customer supply or increasing carbon costs in unexpected ways.
Paul Bobby, White Horse Plastics’ Managing Director explains, ‘We used international freight forwarders to ship mould tools from China to our premises, which takes 8 weeks end-to-end and is monitored by our New Projects Office. While tools are on the water, we are selecting materials, validation methods and setting up the administration systems that will regulate the parts in production.
As soon as the tools arrive, they are inspected in the tool room – although a mould tool can weigh over a ton, it has many sensitive internal mechanisms. They are then trialled in the machines for the first time to establish a robust process, which is often the most challenging element of reshoring – processing variables affect the cost of parts, so a lot of time is invested in honing cycle times, temperatures, packaging specs and validation controls. But once these issues are resolved, the parts are ready for market.’
He continues, ‘It is a process with risks, rewards and benefits for both parties – as far as WHP is concerned, there is the obvious benefit that comes with a new account, but we are also proud to be working with AFIA for other reasons: they join our portfolio of customers with sustainable objectives, which we are keen to expand, and they make well designed products that improve the quality of lives, including those with MS, MND & Parkinsons. So, many thanks to AFIA for taking this leap of faith with us, we are glad to have you onboard,’
(White Horse Plastics/AFIA – New Partnership – Nov 2024)