Since the oil boom of the 70's, engineering has played an important role in the Norfolk economy. During the 80's, UK engineering took a severe dip and recent years have seen manufacturing jobs being lost to the cheaper economies of the Far East and Eastern Europe. However, today, this work is coming home once again and Norfolk engineering companies are feeling the benefit.

"We have just quoted on a job for 150,000 parts that have previously been made in China," said Fred Pain, Manager of Acro Engineering, based at Catfield. "Manufacturers are starting to realise how difficult it can be to guarantee consistent quality and delivery from suppliers that are so far away. Also, there are long lead times, letters of credit to arrange, customs issues and regular long haul flights. The "on-shoring" of parts is a trend we are seeing and it is definitely picking up pace."

Acro manufacture high volume turned and machine parts and have been in business for over 30 years. Running highly automated 24 hour unmanned CNC machines, Acro are able to compete on the world market and provide parts for the technology sector, architectural supplies, medical and a broad range of other industry sectors.

"We have a policy of investing in the very best equipment available and the best engineers," said Fred. "This gives us the best quality machining and the best productivity, this is how we are competing for the work that is returning to the UK. We are also picking up new projects from the growing UK technology sector and this is equally exciting."

Acro landed their first export contract last year, with the shipment of precision parts for the Norwegian oil industry. Their more recent orders have been for high quality stainless steel components for the architectural sector and CNC machined parts for airport security swipe card equipment.

Another Norfolk engineering company that is enjoying similar growth is Ladbrook Engineering of North Walsham. Ladbrook specialise in pressing metal parts for a range of industries and is currently enjoying considerable success. They have recently announced a major new contract with Parker Hannifin, a global manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems.

"It definitely feels that Norfolk engineering is making a comeback," said Mike Blowers, Managing Director of Ladbrook. "This past year or two has been so encouraging, we now have ambitious plans to grow the company and make substantial investments in new equipment. I think the business sector lost sight of how good a service UK engineering can provide and now they have tried the competition, they are once again happy to place the work here in the UK."

Over in Diss, electronics manufacturer, Barric, have a similar story to tell. Barric are also seeing an increase in new enquiries, exciting new opportunities and the opportunity for growth. Barric have been manufacturing electronics for over 20 years and have been an important employer in the Diss region.

"The level of new enquiries and new projects coming on stream is very encouraging," said Patrick Kibble, Financial Director of Barric. "We've worked hard in recent years to improve our technology, our expertise and our systems. We've also worked on our branding and our overall message to the technology sector. This is all paying off and we are now looking to expand and take on further staff."

With recently improved local infrastructure, Norfolk engineering companies look set to gain a bigger share of the growing UK engineering business, bringing more jobs, training and wealth to the region. It is also possible that with access to Europe becoming ever more easy, it may be that Norfolk could find itself leading a return to the days of the exporting of British engineering.

About Acro Precision Technology

Established over 30 years ago for the machining of precision engineering components, Acro represents one of Europe's leading suppliers of turned parts to the engineering and technology sector. Acro offers specialist low volume prototype development as well as high volume manufacturing and is equipped with a broad range of modern machines. Customer projects have included components for sports cars suspensions, bomb disposal robots, hospital beds, forecourt petrol pumps, the London Underground, equipment for off-shore oil exploration and production and components for the construction industry. http://www.acro-eng.co.uk
Contact Fred Pain, General Manager

About Ladbrook

For the past 70 years Ladbrook Engineering & Manufacturing Company Limited have been working with manufacturers around the world, providing them with the best expertise available in the field of pressed metal parts. Today, they are able to provide high volume production as well as low volume pre-production and prototype samples. With a capacity for more than 150 million pressed metal parts per year and a broad range of automated machinery, they are well equipped to provide manufacturers with the best of British engineering at world market pricing.

http://www.ladbrook-pressed-metal.co.uk
Contact Mike Blowers, MD

About Barric

Barric manufacture electronic products for large and small companies across the world. With 20 years of experience, investment and success, Barric are very much leaders in this field. Equipped with the latest surface mount manufacturing equipment, hi-tech inspection technology and a team of expert engineers, Barric works closely with ‘cutting edge' development companies from early stage design right through to volume shipment. Whether it is simply the production of electronic assemblies or complete product manufacture, Barric provides one of the best facilities available in Europe. 

http://www.barric.co.uk
Contact Mike Bayley, Director of Business Development.