To showcase its tooling, engineering and technical moulding prowess to UK OEMs, Surrey-based Broanmain Plastics (www.broanmainplastics.co.uk) has become a member of the Gauge and Toolmakers Association (GTMA – www.gtma.co.uk).

The specialist technical trade moulder and tooling project specialist has managed well-over 200 bespoke tool projects on behalf of customers, overseeing everything from concept to validation.

With a dedicated maintenance team, and an advanced, fully equipped toolshop managed by Kamil Stec, for several years now Broanmain has supported UK manufacturers seeking a high-quality yet financially viable reshoring option.

Broanmain’s managing director Jo Davis said: “We are delighted to join this influential engineering group of like-minded industry experts. The current pandemic combined with Brexit has highlighted a number of vulnerabilities in product prototyping and UK manufacturing supply chains.

“In the last 18 months, Broanmain has observed a heightened trend towards reshoring both the production of components, driven by real-time manufacturing, and the end-to-end management of tooling projects.

“It is no secret that UK toolmaking has been in decline in recent decades, with a perceived scarcity of skills. By not protecting this highly technical role, we are doing a real disservice to the polymer industry.

“Very often, manufacturers face a choice - compromise on quality, or compromise on speed. Both instances usually result in a tool that’s not fit for purpose.”

By joining GTMA, the family-run business is eager to showcase the benefits of working with a toolmaker that also truly understands the nuances of the moulding process and how to create a master tool that upholds British engineering standards.

Working with one organisation that will manage the entire toolmaking process start to finish for a set price, results in quicker reactions, project continuity and greater transparency.

GTMA, CEO Julia Moore said: “Since meeting with Broanmain at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2020, UK reshoring developments have rallied further.

“For a large majority, improved quality is often cited as the primary reason, but now the global pandemic has accelerated demands due to supply chain vulnerabilities. Our reshoring tool helps to connect manufacturers with trusted UK suppliers.”

Broanmain manages the tool design and moulds plastic components for a number of Tier One to Tier Four suppliers in the automotive, aerospace, industry, medical and consumer markets and many of these parts are used globally by blue chip organisations.

Broanmain also remains a committed member of the British Plastics Federation.