While 2012 looks set to be extremely challenging in terms of the economic outlook,
Zero Cases, the UK’s leading manufacturer of protective cases, containers and
enclosures, is reporting that it has begun the year with a strong and growing order
book.
The Smethwick company is heavily involved in diversification opportunities – outside
its traditional defence-related markets – and has recently offered prototype cases to
the oil & gas, power generation and marine sectors for both testing and evaluation.
It is also engaged in developing innovative enclosures to protect televisions and
computer screens from theft, vandalism and general damage.
“We have an aggressive growth plan for the next five years and our objective is
to develop new and existing products for both the UK and European markets,”
commented Zero’s plant manager Mike Dimmack.
“To support this strategy, we are investing heavily in the development of our local
supply chain, with sheet metal fabricators, foam suppliers, pressworkers and fixture
suppliers being at the forefront.
“Our policy is to both source materials and manufacture products within the region
where at all possible. It not only gives us greater control over our inventory and costs,
but also means we can reduce stock levels and meet increasing customer demands for
quicker lead times.
“Made in the Midlands has been instrumental in helping us to achieve this. The
networking opportunities, events and shows it provides makes it easy to make
contacts and link up with suppliers.”
Zero’s product portfolio includes reusable, recyclable and low-carbon transit and
storage containers, carrying cases, rackmount cases and components. Made of deep-
drawn aluminium or rotomoulded plastic, they offer maximum protection against
shock and vibration. In addition to protecting cargo and equipment in transit, its
enclosures are used to house vital electrical sensors, systems and components that are
integral to planes, helicopters, rockets and satellites.
To support its expansion plans, the company says it is “reinventing” itself as a lean
manufacturer. Around 70% of its 25 employees, both in production areas and from
within the management team, are currently undergoing NVQ training at levels 2 and 3
in lean philosophy and business improvement processes.