Sheffield SME uses MGP support to help re-shore a new product range to the UK | Manufacturing Growth Programme

Formed in 1995, Aquatic Control Engineering (ACE) have extensive experience in the manufacture, supply and installation of specialist equipment for the water industry. They offer a comprehensive portfolio of equipment and services from first inception through to delivery and offer tailored packages to suit their customer requirements.

The business has ambitions to double sales but had been constrained by an overseas supply chain so needed to take control and manufacture here in the UK. This is where the Manufacturing Growth Programme was able to help. Manufacturing Growth Manager for the Sheffield city region; Richard Halstead supported this business with a GROWTHmapper® business diagnostic analysis and tailored advice. In addition, they were able to access grant funding which was used towards a (re-shoring) business improvement project.

With the support of a consultant, they were able to redesign products that have previously been made in Holland. Aquiko, their own range of UK manufactured products have now been successfully launched and proudly boasts the Made in the UK credentials.

Marjon van Nieuwenhuyzen, Chairman for ACE Ltd commented; “We have really appreciated the help we have had from Richard Halstead as part of the Manufacturing Growth Programme, Richard helped us to focus on areas that needed attention by using the GROWTHmapper® and Richard also helped us to successfully apply for a grant towards the consultancy costs related with setting up our new venture. Furthermore, Richard introduced us to Bassetlaw District Council Economic Development Manager; Julie Beresford with whom we have discussed our expansion plans as we foresee we may need to expand our premises as our new Aquiko products have been received very well by the UK market. The future looks exciting for Aquiko!”.

Richard commented on his experience with ACE; “An exciting business that is growing speared by localisation of a key product range bringing jobs and growth for UK Manufacturing”.

More details on the Aquiko product range will be available at www.aquiko.co.uk

 

(Manufacturing Growth Manager: Richard Halstead will be speaking in a panel discussion at SUBCON around the subject of reshoring on the 15/09/2021. Please see link for more details. The Engineer Expo Theatre | Subcon Show )