Accessing Asian plastics moulding opportunities

In response to growing demand, an Anglo-Chinese company has developed 'Break-Free Asia' that offers a genuine gateway to low-cost manufacture in South Asia with highest quality standards.

With Asia and its breathtaking economic development dominating the headlines all over the globe, a number of UK companies are questioning how they can access the considerable manufacturing opportunities offered by this important market.

In response to growing demand, Anglo-Chinese company Avantis International has developed a unique concept, Break-Free Asia that offers a genuine gateway to low-cost manufacture in South Asia with an on-going commitment to the highest quality standards.

Avantis is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gorda, a Hong Kong-based investment holding company which operates out of five countries, including a UK-based design facility.

It specialises in facilitating a dynamic and secure gateway for the design, development, manufacture and on-going supply chain management for a wide range of plastic products direct from South Asia.

Founder and CEO Mark Bromley said the concept opens up tremendous opportunities for UK companies who find high product development or entry costs are a big hurdle to commercial viability following initial risk assessment.

Break-Free Asia applies equally to companies who wish to manufacture existing products at lower cost and increased profitability.

"In Asia, the exposure to risk is much reduced.

It is a much more affordable route to new product development and manufacture, given the initial costs of R and D, design and tooling, and allows companies to realise the full potential of their project," commented Bromley.

In developing his business strategy for Avantis, Bromley drew on 'first-hand' experience of out-sourcing from China when running his previous hardware company.

He admitted it was a steep and expensive learning curve, but one which gave him valuable knowledge and insights into how Asian business principles work.

He said: "I just went out there and spent time finding the right manufacturing partner.

I learned it was better to be an 'insider looking out'.

Having experienced all the issues, headaches and pitfalls, I put what I have learned to good use into developing a truly international business.

With Break-Free Asia, Avantis customers can significantly enhance profitability through a low-risk, low-cost manufacturing approach, but without sacrificing quality." The company's highly-skilled and experienced staff work with manufacturers requiring cost-efficient plastic injection moulding/extrusion services and entrepreneurs looking for a secure, low-risk and low-cost product development or manufacturing opportunity.

Avantis' clients operate in a variety of industries, including plastic building products, automotive, electrical components and domestic appliances.

Avantis has invested over GBP 1 million in its operations which include 120,000ft2 manufacturing facilities and an injection-moulding company based in mainland Malaysia employing 325 people.

Flexibility means clients can choose bespoke packages tailored to their needs, from just an initial consultation to full project completion, depending on requirements.

This can range from initial product design, right through to manufacture and delivery.

From its head office in Cannock, UK, the Avantis design team turns concepts into reality, creating full product specifications which are transferred to one of the South East Asia project management teams.

They are then responsible for ensuring all aspects of the projects are delivered on time and to the client's satisfaction.

The comprehensive range of services includes research and development, tool design and manufacture, injection-moulding, component sub-assembly and final assembly, as well as on-going project management.

Quality control and assurance is paramount, with all manufacturing carried out to the relevant market standards.

The core focus and competence of Avantis is its state-of-the-art injection-moulding facilities.

Both the Malaysia and China facilities are strategically located to optimise product efficiency throughout the supply chain.

Avantis also has offices in Portugal and Hong Kong.

Bromley emphasised their prime focus is alignment with customers' requirements, while realising the need to exceed customer expectation.

"Our customers' needs are carefully considered, then matched to the appropriate manufacturing facility taking into account factors such as complexity, cost, volumes, precision and technical elements.

We work with them based on a mutual understanding of business strategies and objectives to give the best return on investment," he explained.

In conclusion, Bromley summed up: "Effectively we are an OEM for our customers and we do not sell direct.

Ultimately we look to work with like-minded people - entrepreneurial-led businesses who have a clear strategy and plan in wanting to manufacture more cost-effectively to the same quality standards, yet at low-risk." He said: "By working in close collaboration with our customers, we can facilitate each critical step of the way and ensure that Break-Free Asian really does deliver for them.".

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