Subcontracting drives UK success

More and more UK manufacturers are turning to subcontracting to build their business and expand their markets, says a leading Subcon exhibitor.

Tony Hague, chairman of the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN), says: “MAN has been exhibiting at Subcon since 2010 and, in that time, we have seen a trend for people to subcontract more of their activities.

“This has been key for UK manufacturers to compete globally, allowing them to invest in core competencies and sub out none-core activities and skills.”

This is good news for MAN, says Mr Hague: “Our business model is one of collaborative and complementary engineering and production skills and therefore is suited to this trend.”

First established in 2006, the Midlands Assembly Network is made up of ten members, including Advanced Chemical Etching, Alucast, Brandauer, Barkley Plastics, FW Cables, Grove Design, Mec-Com, PP Electrical Systems, SMT Developments and Westley Engineering – all of whom will be exhibiting at Subcon.

Subcon, the UK’s only dedicated event for contract and subcontract manufacturing, returns to the NEC, Birmingham, on 4 to 6 June this year. It covers every aspect of outsourced manufacturing services and attracts quality visitors from all sectors.

This broad spread is part of the reason why it is so successful for exhibitors, says Mr Hague.

“Subcon is particularly good for MAN because of the quality of the audience and the diversity of services visitors are looking to buy. We have won a lot of business by exhibiting at Subcon. This includes a number of key projects and blue chip customers in electronics, fabrication, medical and renewables.”

He adds that MAN is a great believer in Subcon as a way to reach new and existing customers and is looking forward to exhibiting at this year’s show.

“This year should be particularly exciting as the group is now stronger than ever, with new members and additional skills in fabrication and a full design capability.”

Subcon 2013 runs alongside the Advanced Manufacturing Show, and The Engineer Conference.

For more information on visiting or exhibiting at Subcon please go to
www.subconshow.co.uk .

You can see MAN at Subcon on stand D6, for more information please visit www.man-group.co.uk .