MAS helps IoW inventor

Paul Bone of Flow Control (GB) developed the Flow Control Fuel Can, which allows users to regulate the flow of fuel from a trickle to a highly impressive five litres in just 15 seconds. But his invention nearly came to a halt when production problems from Eastern European suppliers caused major quality issues. That was when he decided that ‘local was best’ and called in the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) South East to help set up a supply chain within easy reach. MAS South East Specialist, Lee Candy, helped Flow Control to find high-quality local manufacturers and assembly companies – and the result is a product that already has a global patent and looks set to redefine refuelling on the move. Following MAS South East’s advice to contact the Royal British Legion Industry, he is now working closely with Frank Myers, director of manufacturing at the RBLI in Kent and David Church. He is now doing all manufacturing and assembly work in the region using a performance-suitable material and has already achieved a shortened assembly time. Dawn Bone, operations director, said: “Without the assistance of MAS South East we would still be looking for suitable partners.” David Caddle, Principal Manufacturing Specialist for MAS South East, said that the Flow Control Experience demonstrates the pitfalls associated with offshore manufacturing. He said: “Business isn’t just about keeping costs low – quality issues can have a dramatic impact on reputation and if companies aren’t rigorous in the way they manage and monitor production, particularly when it’s at ‘arm’s length’, then they are running enormous risks. Many UK companies have moved production to low-cost regions but quite a few have decided that the pitfalls, over issues such as quality and lead times, actually outweigh the benefits and are now moving manufacturing back to the UK.”