How local fabrication partnerships are powering UK manufacturing recovery in 2025
As the UK manufacturing sector begins to show promising signs of recovery in 2025 - recording 0.7% growth in Q1 alone - many manufacturers are turning to trusted local partners to maintain momentum. With rising order books and tight delivery schedules, having overflow capacity on hand is becoming critical. That’s where MPL Fabrications steps in.
Based in Coventry, at the heart of the Midlands, MPL is perfectly positioned to help manufacturers across Warwickshire and the wider UK navigate growing demand without compromising on quality, timelines, or sustainability.
The Challenge: Rising demand, limited capacity
While growth is welcome news for UK industry, it comes with logistical and production challenges. Many OEMs and subcontractors are experiencing:
- In-house bottlenecks on fabrication lines
- Long lead times from overseas suppliers
- Resource shortages, especially in skilled welding
- Pressure to maintain or improve sustainability reporting
With batch production requirements increasing and customers expecting faster lead times, relying solely on internal capacity isn’t always an option. That’s why smart manufacturers are outsourcing their overspill work to trusted UK partners.
How MPL Fabrications is helping
At MPL Fabrications, we’ve built our business around adaptability, reliability, and speed - especially when it comes to sheet metal fabrication, welding, and batch production.
Here’s what makes us an ideal partner for your overspill work:
Regularly, we produce over 10,000 custom brackets in just a few days, using our upgraded LVD CNC Punch and Bystronic Press Brake. Whether it’s small parts, hoarding kits or structural components, we scale fast without compromising on finish or tolerance.
Our in-house team includes coded MIG and TIG welders working to industry standards, handling safety-critical and bespoke welded components for industries like lift safety, construction, and medical devices.
Based in Coventry, we serve Warwickshire and the UK with fast turnarounds and local delivery using our own transport. No lengthy courier waits, no offshore delays - just dependable, high-quality fabrication – where we’re in control of the delivery.
A sustainable supply chain choice
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have - it’s a deciding factor for many buyers. At MPL, we’ve made real changes to reduce our footprint and make ourselves more attractive to those looking for suppliers committed to sustainability:
- Installed EV charging points, free to use for staff and customers
- Switched to energy-efficient heating systems in our factory
- Introduced a tree-planting initiative as part of our green commitment
- Built on-site secure storage for call-off jobs, reducing logistical waste
Working with MPL doesn’t just strengthen your supply chain - it supports your sustainability goals too.
Real-world solutions for growing manufacturers
We’re already supporting manufacturers throughout the UK with:
- Batch production support
- Lift hoarding kit components
- Bespoke welded assemblies
- Urgent call-off storage and stock holding
Whether you’re a national firm needing emergency capacity, or a local manufacturer looking for a reliable fabrication partner, we’re here to help you stay agile in a fast-changing market.
Let’s keep UK manufacturing moving
We believe that by working together, local businesses can lead the charge in revitalising UK manufacturing. At MPL Fabrications, we’re proud to be part of that journey - and we’re ready to help you keep yours on track.
To discuss your fabrication needs or request a quote, contact us at sales@mplfabrications.com
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If you have any questions about our specialist welding services or want to discuss a specific project then please contact us on 024 7661 0778, or via email at sales@mplfabrications.com. Our expert engineers are ready and waiting to explain exactly how we could deliver the sheet metal components you need.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Variety of Processes to choose from:
There are many different processes that can be used to create a metal prototype, including CNC Machining, CNC Punching, Press Braking, Laser Cutting and more. Each process has different uses and can be implemented to create very accurate prototypes. For example, a CNC Machine can run the same job a few times with minimal changes from the initial product, allowing for consistent and quality production.
Requires skilled workers:
In order to carry out a solid prototyping process you will need in-house skills and capabilities. This doesn’t just extend to the workforce and departments needed, but also the equipment and the maintenance of that equipment, which could include Laser Cutters, 3D Printing, CNC Machining and much more. If you do not have these capabilities in-house it may be worth contacting a fabricator to outsource the work to.
Cheaper Alternatives:
If you’re working with a tight budget there are always cheaper options when it comes to materials and processes involved in prototyping. Aluminium is more commonly used in CNC prototyping due to being economically viable, lighter and easier to fabricate.
3D Printing can be expensive:
3D printing is suitable for prototypes that are purely for display; not having any moving parts, mechanical purpose or practical use. Results can be achieved quite quickly, although the options for materials are more limited if you’re on a tight budget, particularly when it comes to 3D Printing with metals.
Accurate visual and material representation:
CNC machining can be used to create prototypes that are visually similar to the final part. Machining centres and fabricators can make end-use parts as well as prototypes, so you can create prototypes that have similar functionality to the final product in some basic core aspects.
Not an accurate functional product representation:
There is a risk that your prototype might not accurately represent your product in terms of functionality. Some of the processes involved can only produce prototypes at a limited size, or in certain materials, so there’s a possibility that there will be some design flaws in the process. This is a rare problem, however.
MPL Fabrication’s prototyping capabilities
A precision-engineered prototype is often the most important part of a larger project. MPL Fabrications understand how precise a prototype has to be. With years of experience in sheet metal fabrication, they can advise on what is needed to take a concept to reality.
In-house work means that every stage of manufacturing a prototype is seamlessly integrated with every other stage, so the end result is delivered on budget and on time. Once the prototype is complete, the client can work with MPL Fabrications to refine it, correct any problems, and perfect the design. The same team works on a prototype from start to finish to ensure precision and consistent quality.
If you need complete prototyping services of any kind, then MPL Fabrications can discuss your requirements. Their years of experience and ability to be versatile means they can deliver a prototype with ease, for large scale industrial projects or small engineered solutions.