Reshoring from European Injection Moulders - A Smart Move for UK Manufacturers
2 June 2025
As the Technical & Business Development Director at TEX Plastics, I've been closely observing a significant shift in the UK manufacturing landscape. Many businesses that previously outsourced their plastic injection moulding to the European Union are now choosing to reshore their production back to the UK. This trend is driven by a confluence of factors, including currency fluctuations, customs complexities, and a growing desire for greater control and agility in supply chains.
The Strong Pound: A Catalyst for Reshoring
One of the primary drivers of this reshoring trend is the strength of the pound sterling against the euro. This makes it more expensive for UK businesses to import goods from Europe, making domestic production, where costs are denominated in pounds, a more attractive proposition.
Customs and Supply Chain Disruptions
The introduction of new customs procedures following the UK's exit from the EU has also added complexity and cost to the supply chain. Delays at borders, increased paperwork, and unforeseen charges have created uncertainty and frustration for businesses that rely on imported components. Reshoring eliminates these customs hurdles, streamlining the supply chain and reducing lead times.
The Desire for Greater Control and Agility
Beyond economic factors, many businesses are seeking greater control over their supply chains. Reshoring allows for closer collaboration with domestic suppliers, enabling faster response times to market changes and greater flexibility in production planning. This is particularly important in today's dynamic business environment, where agility and adaptability are key to success.
The Benefits of Reshoring
The decision to reshore plastic injection moulding offers several compelling advantages:
- Reduced Costs: While initial investment may be required, reshoring can lead to long-term cost savings due to reduced transportation, customs, and currency exchange costs.
- Improved Quality Control: Bringing production back to the UK allows for closer monitoring of the manufacturing process, ensuring that products meet the highest quality standards.
- Shorter Lead Times: Reshoring eliminates the delays associated with international shipping, enabling faster delivery times and improved responsiveness to customer demands.
- Enhanced Supply Chain Resilience: By reducing reliance on overseas suppliers, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with global supply chain disruptions, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Supporting the UK Economy: Reshoring creates jobs and stimulates economic growth within the UK, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient manufacturing sector.
The evolving landscape of UK manufacturing
The reshoring trend in plastic injection moulding is a testament to the evolving landscape of UK manufacturing. As businesses seek to navigate the challenges of a post-Brexit world, reshoring offers a compelling solution that combines cost-effectiveness, quality control, and supply chain resilience. At TEX Plastics, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, supporting UK businesses in their journey to reshore and thrive in a changing global economy.