Reshoring Manufacturing to the UK with BEC Group
What is Reshoring?
Reshoring is the process of bringing manufacturing that was previously based overseas back to the company’s home country. In this case, reshoring to the UK means moving your tooling and production from regions such as the Far East to a UK partner like BEC Group.
Reshoring can involve:
Direct reshoring: physically relocating existing tools and production from overseas manufacturers back to the UK.
Indirect reshoring: Increasing UK manufacturing capacity instead of investing further in overseas facilities, often using new tooling.
In both cases, the aim is the same. Bring production closer to home, gain more control and reduce the hidden costs and risks that come with long and fragile supply chains.
Why are more companies reshoring to the UK?
Over the past few years, many UK manufacturers have reconsidered the true cost of offshore production. Short term unit price savings are often outweighed by problems such as:
Shipping and freight costs that continue to rise
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Long lead times with stock tied up on the water for weeks
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Large minimum order quantities that increase inventory and storage costs
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Quality issues that take months to identify and resolve
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Expensive, time consuming overseas visits for tool checks and production oversight
By working with a UK manufacturing partner you can shorten your supply chain, gain clearer oversight of production, and react faster to spikes in demand or changes in the market.
Evidence that reshoring is growing in the UK
Reshoring is not a passing trend. Recent research from the Warwick Manufacturing Group found that a significant proportion of UK manufacturers have already taken steps to bring production closer to home. Since 2008, around 70% of companies surveyed had reshored some element of their operations.
The study also found that more than half of businesses increased their domestic production capacity, while a further 13 per cent physically moved tools or processes back from overseas. Crucially, companies that reshored reported stronger overall business performance than those that continued to rely on offshore production.
The future …
Looking ahead, the intentions are even clearer. 70% of respondents said they would consider further direct reshoring in the future.
The driving forces behind these decisions include:
- Closer proximity for shorter lead times
- Greater control over quality
- Rising labour and transport costs abroad
- The desire to avoid supply chain disruption
Reshoring is becoming an established strategy for UK manufacturers who want greater stability, faster turnaround and improved commercial performance.
How BEC Group supports your reshoring journey
There are several routes to reshoring manufacturing with BEC Group. You can:
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Ship existing tools back to BEC for assessment, repair and modification
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Re tool and invest in new tooling designed and manufactured in the UK
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Use a dual supply system. Keep your current tools running overseas while new tools are created in the UK to strengthen and diversify supply
Once tools are on site, our toolmakers carry out a full inspection to confirm suitability for moulding. We identify any required repairs or alterations and advise if re-tooling would be more cost effective in the long term.
With design, tooling and plastic injection moulding under one roof, BEC Group can:
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Design and manufacture new mould tools
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Carry out tool maintenance, modifications and repairs
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Run production for plastic injection moulding, insert moulding and overmoulding
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Support with design for manufacture to refine part design before production
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Provide ongoing production, testing and assembly where required
This complete service helps you move production back to the UK smoothly while improving quality and consistency.
Reshoring Frequently Asked Questions
Why is reshoring important?
Reshoring is important because it gives manufacturers greater control over quality, lead times and supply chain stability. It reduces reliance on long, fragile global supply chains and helps companies respond faster to market changes. For many businesses it also improves overall cost efficiency once shipping, inventory and risk are taken into account.
What are the benefits of reshoring with BEC?
Reshoring with BEC Group improves quality, lead times and supply chain control. You remove overseas shipping costs, gain clear communication with a local team and benefit from strict inspection and testing. Production becomes more flexible with shorter lead times and smaller batch options, and you retain full ownership of your tooling. With extensive reshoring experience we help you transition smoothly while protecting ongoing supply.
Why are companies reshoring?
Companies are reshoring due to rising overseas labour and transport costs, long lead times and increasing supply chain disruption. Many have also experienced communication challenges and quality issues when working across time zones and borders. By reshoring manufacturing to the UK businesses gain transparency, speed and resilience.
What are the risks of reshoring?
The main risks relate to managing the transition from an overseas supplier to a UK manufacturer. These include tool ownership issues, the condition of existing tooling, the potential need for re tooling and short term planning around stock levels. Working with an experienced reshoring partner such as BEC Group reduces these risks and ensures continuity of supply.
Is reshoring right for every product?
Reshoring works best where long lead times, supply chain risk or quality issues are affecting your business. Even if unit prices are slightly higher in the UK, lower shipping costs, reduced inventory and improved reliability often result in better overall value.
What happens if I do not own my existing tools?
If you do not own your tooling it cannot be moved without agreement from your current supplier. We recommend reviewing your tool register and contract terms before starting. Our team can guide you on what information you will need and the options available. We can discuss re-tooling with you
if you cannot move your existing tools.
Can my existing tools be used in the UK?
In many cases tools can be shipped back to the UK, inspected and put into production after repairs or modifications. Once tools arrive at BEC Group we carry out a full assessment and trial before confirming production readiness.
Do I need to move all production at once?
No. Many customers choose to use a dual supply approach, maintaining overseas production while new tools and processes are established in the UK. This protects supply during the transition.
How long does reshoring take?
Timescales depend on tool condition, logistics and required modifications. After an initial review we provide a clear reshoring plan with key milestones to help you manage stock and production planning.
Is reshoring only about cost?
Cost is a factor but not the only consideration. Companies that reshore often see improvements in quality, responsiveness and customer satisfaction. Shorter supply chains can also reduce environmental impact and support UK manufacturing.
Reshoring Projects
