Worldwide companies of all backgrounds and industries are having issues getting their products from China due to the cost increases and a container shortage onsetting a product delivery backlog across the world. Some companies have reported backlogs of up to 5 months so far.

Jenks & Cattell Engineering Ltd are in the process of assisting two UK customers in the electric vehicle and energy industry to reshore their metal components from China to the UK, as well as continued discussions with further clients looking to do the same.

In one scenario, we are underway to airfreight the stamping tools to our factory in the West Midlands and run the metal components as a resource package on our presses. We are also able to use UK toolmakers to manufacture new metal stamping tools to save on the expense and extended time of shipping tools.

The timeframe to manufacture a new tool varies from 4-16 weeks depending on the complexity of the metal component, and to meet tight schedules in the meantime we can offer short-term prototype soft tooling which is suitable for low volume metal stamping, or laser cut fabrication on slightly less complex components.

Our laser cutting facilities cut metal from 0.6mm-20mm mild steel, 12mm stainless steel and 8mm aluminium and we have a complete brakepress and welding facility to manufacture both functional and mechanical assemblies in just a matter of days.

Jenks & Cattell Engineering export across Europe, South America and Asia on behalf of our customers in the automotive, electric vehicle defence and off-highway industries as well as UK & NI.

To reshore your manufacturing of metal components back to the UK, please get in touch with a member of our Sales team to discuss the logistics and timeframe associated with the process of manufacturing your existing metal components in the UK. We are also offering COVID-secure plant tours/site visits should you wish to arrange one to view our full range of manufacturing facilities including laser cut fabrication, metal stamping with presses from 80tons-1000tons and a comprehensive range of welding equipment including robotic, manual, spot and projection welding.

All components will follow our usual standard of PPAP level 4 and NPI to the business.