Smart Meter Reshoring Project

“We were experiencing some issues with an offshore manufacturer, so it was a relief to find a UK manufacturing partner to work alongside to facilitate the reshoring, reviewing and repairing of our Hub I mould tools. All without hindering supply to market.” Supply Chain Manager, Guru Systems Project: Guru Hub I – Energy Smart Meter Services: Reshoring, mould tool modifications and plastic injection moulding. Our Client: Multi-award-winning Guru Systems have developed a system that incorporates data analytics and smart technology to optimise heat network performance and deliver low carbon, cost effective heat to millions of homes across the UK. Our Mission: Guru had experienced issues with an offshore manufacturer for their 1st generation smart meter, Hub I. Extended lead times, communication issues and material selection issues all led them to consider reshoring their plastic injection mould tooling to a UK manufacturer. A UK manufacturer experienced in reshoring, with the knowledge and capability to hit the ground running once they received the tools from China. Restoring confidence in manufacturing. Our Solution: As a UK manufacturer with design, tooling and moulding under one roof, we were able to work closely with the Guru Systems team to help manage the reshoring of all their Hub I injection mould tools back from China. While Guru arranged delivery of the specified, specialist materials to our factory on the UK’s south coast, where they were safely stored, we were ready as soon as the tools arrived, to meet the critical timelines and ensure continuity of supply. Once the Hub I injection mould tools were re-shored back to the UK, our onsite toolmakers reviewed them, bringing them in-house for repairs and modifications before manufacturing the Hub I injection mould casings. Guru were able to make frequent site visits whilst the re-shored tools were trialled in the UK, facilitating sign-off and enabling production to start almost immediately, as well as visiting at key milestones throughout the manufacturing process. By reshoring, the quality and certainty of the end product, speed and cost implication of transportation and the supply chain were never jeopardised or undermined. Result: The efficient reshoring of mould tools from China to a UK manufacturer Guru can rely on. By being in the UK, Guru can visit as frequently as they wish, keep tighter control on quality and make gains in production speed output. All without disruption to the supply chain. If you’re struggling with overseas manufacturing and looking for a partner to help reshoring back to the UK so you can continue production with confidence, please get in touch. Call us on 01425 613131 or email us, we’re here to help.

For more information on Smart Meter Reshoring Project talk to BEC Group