Esprit Featured in September 2015 Electronics Sourcing

Quality comes first

Despite the recession and historic trends towards offshoring, the electronics industry is still very much alive and kicking in the UK, says Esprit.

Demand for British manufactured products is as strong as it has ever been and firms that once looked to cut costs by moving production to low-cost emerging nations are now returning to the UK as these countries’ economies mature and labour costs rise. According to a recent report from manufacturers’ association EEF, over the past three years, one in six UK based manufacturing businesses are now bringing operations back to British shores.

A case for quality

But this is not just an issue of cost. Companies are increasingly looking to capitalise on Britain’s reputation for excellence and quality. This is compounded by an ability to create shorter, more responsive supply chains and the ease of communication with customers that being in the UK brings.

Many organisations are proud to say that their products are manufactured in the UK because of the long-standing association that British manufacturing has with quality, reliability and excellence.

In today’s throwaway society mass-produced, short-lived disposable items, you might question the importance of quality and reliability in electronics manufacturing, however, there are many industries where well-built, reliable technology is essential.

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Click on the link to read the full article ES Sept15 Pg31_32