Solving the Supply Chain Puzzle: UK-Made Extrusion in an Uncertain World

The Case for Onshoring Extrusion

A 2023 report by Make UK found that 41% of manufacturers have “actively reshored” supply chains since 2020 to improve control and reduce risk. Bespoke extrusion is particularly sensitive to supply volatility; profiles are often engineered to precise tolerances and can’t simply be substituted with imports.

BWC Profiles’ UK-based manufacturing model eliminates international freight exposure and customs uncertainty. By maintaining in-house tooling and material partnerships within the UK and EU, we ensure stability, quality, and traceability across every project.

Advantages of UK-Made Profiles

• Shorter Lead Times: Design-to-delivery cycles measured in weeks, not months
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Eliminating long-haul freight cuts embodied emissions (Scope 3)
• Regulatory Assurance: Compliance with UKCA marking, BS EN standards, and traceable sourcing
• Agile Design Iteration: Engineers and clients collaborate directly, accelerating innovation

Resilience as Competitive Advantage

Supply security has become integral to ESG and procurement policy. Frameworks such as the UK Government’s Construction Playbook and Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21 now encourage “social value through local sourcing.” BWC’s UK manufacturing capability supports that mandate.

References:

Make UK & Infor. No Weak Links: Building Supply Chain Resilience. 2023.
https://www.makeuk.org/insights/reports/2023/03/06/no-weak-links-building-supply-chain-resilience

UK Government. Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21: Taking Account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the Procurement of Major Government Contracts. 2021.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0621-taking-account-of-carbon-reduction-plans-in-the-procurement-of-major-government-contracts

CBI. Strengthening the UK’s Economic Resilience. 2024.
https://www.cbi.org.uk/media/izlijip1/strengething-the-uks-economic-resilience-aw.pdf