Build to Print

We offer a cost effective subcontract facility for the repeat supply of mechanical, electrical and pneumatic assemblies or for complete machines or systems. We will faithfully build to your blueprint (documentation and design pack).

Volume/repeat build

Our Build to Print section can be used to service a volume or repeat demand. We will establish a bespoke build cell, train and staff the cell with suitable skilled personnel and within our set up a suitable stock holding facility for component parts and finished units.

One off/low volume build

We can also offer a one off or low volume service if you don’t have the necessary space, capacity or skill set to tackle the project.

Why outsource?

There are numerous advantages to an outsourcing (Build to Print) arrangement for the repeat supply mechanical, electrical and pneumatic assemblies and complete machines or systems.

Focus on sales and development

Outsourcing with a Build to Print arrangement enables customers to concentrate on the development of their key processes and the sales of their equipment.

Fixed costs

Once a Build to Print contract is agreed the price paid for equipment is fixed, therefore the cost base is stable.

Additional capacity

Seasonal, economic or market trend peaks in demand can make it difficult for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to organise resources efficiently. A Build to Print agreement gives the OEM flexibility and quick access to extra capacity when required.

A particular project may require specialist skills that the OEM does not maintain in-house. A Build to Print arrangement enables OEMs to access those specialist skills, such as a software engineer, on an hourly basis.

Reduced inventory/WIP

Controlling and limiting the amount of inventory carried is critical to all companies. By entering into a Build to Print agreement, inventory levels can be reduced as we hold a stock of component parts and finished goods. These are invoiced when they are delivered to site or after an agreed period, should the demand fall below an agreed minimum volume.

Order tracking

Customers are given a secure login to track orders and check the availability of finished goods.

Stock holding and logistics

We can set up a stock holding area within our stores and invest in suitable component stock. Finished units can be either held in our stores for call off, delivered ‘lineside’ by our drivers or shipped using conventional carriers.

Design support

Customers generally provide the full design pack including electrical, mechanical, software and accurate BOM’s. Should further design support be required we have an in-house engineering design team to all upon.

Mechanical design

SolidWorks 3D is our primary mechanical computer aided design tool although we can still operate using AutoCad 2D. Our Mechanical Design team can provide additional design capacity and work from the customer’s conceptual brief or they can update, refresh or maintain the design packs.

Controls design

AutoCAD® Electrical is our primary controls and fluid power computer aided design package. Our Controls Design team can provide additional design capacity and work from the customer’s conceptual brief or they can update, refresh or maintain the design packs.

Software

Our software engineers are proficient with all of the market leading PLC types: Omron Electronics, Rockwell/Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi and Siemens and can work to customer preferences. We also have experience of various PC based software packages. Our software team can install and commission software that has already been developed by our customers, modify existing software or work from a customer specification to generate and commission new software.

Commercial open book

We like to operate on a Commercial Open Book basis. Suitable margins on materials, stock value coverage, labour rates and required man hours would be negotiated and agreed. We believe that by operating this way both parties are able to respect the contributions being made and the combined resource of both parties can be employed to drive down bought-in material costs.

Calculations

The calculation we use is simply:
Bought in materials costs x agreed % margin + number of man hours x hourly rate

Margin on materials

The percentage margin applied to the materials is subject to the following criteria:

  • Volume of units produced per annum
  • The amount of component and finished goods stock we need to hold and over what period
  • The length of the contract

We do not necessarily apply a fixed percentage rate to all of the bought in items. Split rates are frequently agreed with large value items being subject to a reduced percentage. Large value items can also be issued where no percentage margin is applied.

Labour

The number of hours is calculated and agreed with the customer, taking into account the following:

  • Mechanical build hours
  • Electrical build hours
  • Test hours

For one-off or low volume Build to Print we can also allocate some labour to project management and the purchasing process. Labour rates are variable and depend on:

  • The skills involved
  • Volume of units produced per annum
  • The length of the contract

Client confidentiality

There are occasions when a customer will need to share confidential process information. Rest assured that in those circumstances, we are happy to enter into a formal non-disclosure agreement.