Shropshire flag-flying manufacturer offers help to boost orders
Companies in Shropshire should be making the most of the potential trade opportunities created by the 'feel-good' factor of the London 2012 Games, according to an award-winning manufacturer.
Richard Hilton, managing director of Fabweld Steel Products, is urging businesses to capitalise on the world's attention being focused on Great Britain and is leading by example.
Fabweld Steel Products, a European market leader in the manufacture of access covers and drainage equipment, has signed up to the Made in Britain campaign which wants to create a national marque to demonstrate products which are made in the UK.
Mr Hilton said: “The eyes of the world are currently focused on us, and there has never been a better time to capitalise on the brand of Britain and take pride in British products.
“The Olympics has brought a feel-good factor to the country – the Opening Ceremony highlighted our industrial heritage and Lord Coe referred to our history as a 'thriving commercial centre.
“We're very proud that 100 per cent of our products are designed and manufactured here in the UK, which is why we've joined the Made in Britain campaign and boast the marque on our website.
“However, we also know that for many small manufacturers in our region, the current economic downturn is thwarting attempts for them to grow, innovate and make the most of this opportunities for businesses in 2012.”
Latest figures from the EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, show that Britain’s manufacturing sector will shrink for the first time in three years in 2012, with output falling by 0.3pc as the eurozone crisis continues to weigh on trade and exports.
Fabweld is hoping to lessen the impact of this contraction in the region, through offering spare capacity on its state-of-the-art laser cutting machine to other fabricators in the region.
“We know that for many companies, this has not been the right climate to invest in capital equipment. We have several manufacturers who are regularly using our £250,000 precision laser cutter to help fulfil orders.
“If we can assist other companies, helping them with a cost-effective opportunity to cut their production times and increase their order book, then the boost to the economy benefits all of us in this Olympic year.”
