With predictions of price rises immediately following the Brexit vote now becoming a reality for many businesses relying on imported products, international smoke and environmental ventilation specialist, SE Controls, has found that its UK manufactured products have provided a competitive advantage.
As many of the products used in the UK window manufacturing, contracting and commercial glazing sector are manufactured overseas, particularly hardware and actuator systems, the impact of the drop in the pound’s exchange rate against other international currencies has inevitably led to price rises across the industry.
For SE Controls, however, its UK manufactured product range is free from the impact of currency fluctuations, enabling the company’s pricing to be more stable and competitive, which has attracted interest from the industry that is keen to manage costs more effectively, wherever possible.
SE Controls is a member of the national ‘Made in Britain’ initiative that recognises and promotes British manufacturing and has had a production base in the UK for more than 15 years. Will Perkins, Group Managing Director for SE Controls, explained: “We manufacture our control systems and actuators in the UK, so our products have become more price competitive in the marketplace since the drop in sterling."
“As some of our competitors rely on imported products, such as actuators for automated building ventilation systems, the higher product costs from their suppliers has prompted some firms to increase prices. This is an inevitable outcome to offset cost increases, as the alternative of absorbing the rises is not sustainable and will impact on profitability."
“The real benefits of manufacturing in the UK are that we have more control over our quality, costs and supply chain”, continued Will Perkins. “Although the current pricing advantage being experienced by SE Controls and other British manufacturers could only be temporary, our collective reputation for innovation and quality remains unchanged, irrespective of the fluctuations in currency markets,” he concluded.
Further information on SE Controls' products, solutions and projects can be obtained by emailing sales@secontrols.comor calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.