MGS Technical Plastics has invested in a new 3D printer and its fourth CNC machining centre to provide in-house support as customers move their projects forward.
These targeted investments reinforce MGS’s ability to adapt to market demands and ensure clients benefit from innovative solutions and reliable support throughout every phase of their manufacturing journey.
Internally the business has made numerous investments. This includes consolidating operations to optimise efficiency, improving logistics by opening a second site for real-time deliveries, installing four CNC machines in the toolroom, and implemented InTouch monitoring for machine performance tracking. Externally, the approach has been equally aligned. Ensuring that OEMs can access all of these in-house services at every stage of their development and production journey.
As the appetite for reshoring accelerates, OEMs are increasingly moving away from fragmented offshoring towards collaborative, local partnerships that offer greater control, quality and agility. The demand for this end-to-end support throughout the entire product lifecycle—from design and production to the aftermarket – is driven by the need to mitigate supply chain risks, improve quality and shorten lead times.
Business Development Manager Chloe Maine explained: “Manufacturing any component is a multi-stage process where success depends on matching specific, often highly technical skills to each phase. Every stage of the journey is different and in-house support for each element is an enabling factor to reduce risk and get products to market faster,” emphasises Chloe.
MGS serves as a technical plastics partner to OEMs, facilitating smooth project transitions and delivering comprehensive support from initial design through to the completion of the final product.
“In lots of plastics processing there is rarely a universal approach to every project. There are usually at least several competing priorities. Early engagement with customers enables us to provide appropriate technical insight, from process options to material selection. This kind of partnership leads to better-engineered, more compliant and more commercially viable products,” added Managing Director Judson Smythe.
Offering 3D printing capabilities supports a dynamic fail fast, learn fast product development culture. This is fundamental to early stage innovation and rapid prototyping for feasibility studies. All of which can reduce long term development costs.
With the recent acquisition of a new 3D printer, the MGS team can now produce highly accurate prototypes in-house, often within days. This capability enables OEMs to validate form, fit, and function earlier in the process and quickly adapt design iterations. “This service is increasingly being used by our customers to reduce project risks before committing to full-scale tooling or production. In some instances, it can reduce development times and prototyping costs by 70%,” said Commercial Director Mark Preston.
Not all projects move immediately into mass production. For low-volume runs, technical modifications or bespoke components, CNC machining bridges this important gap and supports advanced manufacturing.
“CNC machining gives OEMs more flexibility than 3D Printing. It is a precise, repeatable and controlled manufacturing process that supports the manufacturing of parts and tools from a wider range of materials, including metals, advanced composites and polymers. This is especially valuable for OEMs at the next phase of their manufacturing journey that require small batch production, highly technical customisations, or pre-production samples,” explained Chloe.
CNC machining also assists with sustainability, notes Judson. “This is precision engineering for the automotive, aerospace and defence industries at its best. Making technical parts using precision programmes that eliminate errors and reduce material waste. We regularly utilise CNC machining to make robust moulding tools as well.”
CNC services at MGS now include multi-axis CNC milling, precision turning, and tight-tolerance prototyping, all supported by an experienced in-house engineering and quality control team.
Scaling up to lower cost-per-part
Injection moulding serves as the final step for transitioning into cost-effective mass manufacturing. While the initial investment in tooling can be substantial, the approach proves economically advantageous as production scales up. Once a specific volume threshold is reached, the cost per part decreases markedly making injection moulding a preferred solution for large-scale manufacturing needs.
“Injection moulding is especially beneficial for delivering precision and consistency at speed and volume. Compared to 3D printing, it is a much faster cycle time, and moulded components can achieve tighter tolerances, higher tensile strength and better surface finishes. All of which can be critical for interlocking components and functional parts,” said Mark.
Judson added: “From prototype to production, these capabilities ensure speed, efficiency, and quality at all stages of every customer’s journey. At MGS we don’t just make parts, we provide technical support and solutions. That’s the unmatched value.”
mgsplastics.co.uk