Retreat from offshoring aids Ladbrook
Pressed metal parts are coming back from the Far East
Pressed metal parts specialist Ladbrook says that increased turnover an newly-won customers made 2007 its best ever year. An important factor in this success was the number of companies that have tried sourcing from China and the Far East but now want the close communication and control that comes from dealing with a UK supplier.
Ladbrook is so optimistic about this trend that during 2007 it has invested in new technologies, taken on new staff and have expanded the range of services it offers. Ladbrook's new services such as circle shearing, a processes that can precisely cut metal circles and discs, are already attracting a lot of attention with several high volume projects currently in discussion. It has also expanded metal spinning, a specialist process that enables the production of conical shaped metal parts.
“The highly successful spinning service that Ladbrook already offers has been further expanded with the introduction of a high specification CNC/PNC metal spinning lathe that will produce conical, spherical and parallel walled components," said Mike Blowers. "It’s another exciting step forward for us.”
Ladbrook’s new projects have included parts for medical equipment, precision parts for scientific instruments, specialist parts for military systems and heavy pressed metal parts for hydraulic control systems.
“It’s fair to say that the last year or two have been turbulent times for engineering,” said Mike Blowers. “With metal prices rising and falling and with some companies still exploring off-shore suppliers, it’s been a tricky period at times. Without doubt, it’s been the passion and the energy of the team here at Ladbrook that has helped us achieve such great results. I feel confident that we have even better times to come.”
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