The gap between a finished design and a product in mass manufacture is where a lot of projects lose momentum.
npd has built long-term relationships with a trusted network of manufacturing partners across plastic injection moulding, sheet metal fabrication and soft goods, and sources new partners where a project calls for something specific.
A network built over years, not sourced for one job
Design-to-manufacture often breaks down for one reason: poor communication between the manufacturer and the brand. npd works to close that gap directly, drawing on manufacturer relationships built over years across a wide range of industries, so a project isn’t starting that relationship from zero.
Sourcing the right partner when there isn’t one already
If npd doesn’t have an existing relationship that fits a project, manufacturer sourcing is part of the service: identifying and vetting the right partner for the job, so only manufacturers capable of hitting the required quality and volume are put forward.
Low volume, handled in-house
Not every project needs an external manufacturing partner. For low volumes and small batches, npd can manufacture and assemble in-house, without the cost or lead time of tooling up an external line.
Areas of Expertise
Manufacturing Process Selection
Choosing the right process for the material, volume and tolerance a product actually needs
Supplier Sourcing
Finding and vetting manufacturing partners capable of hitting the required quality and volume
Quality Control
Building in checks that catch problems before they reach a finished production run
Production Optimisation
Refining a manufacturing process to improve consistency, yield and cost as volume increases
Assembly Design
Designing how a product goes together so assembly is fast, repeatable and low-error
Cost Engineering
Balancing material, process and design choices to hit a target cost without cutting quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with your own manufacturing partners or find new ones for each project?
Both. npd has long-term relationships with a core set of manufacturers, and sources new partners when a project needs a capability outside that existing network.
Do you work with manufacturers in the UK or overseas?
Both, depending on the project. npd prefers UK-based manufacturers because they’re easier to manage closely and better for sustainability, and has established contacts overseas for projects that need that manufacturing capability.
What types of manufacturers do you work with?
npd’s core network includes plastic injection moulders, sheet metal fabricators and soft goods manufacturers, alongside specialist partners for precision and defence-grade production.
What happens if you don’t already have the right manufacturing partner for my product?
Finding one is part of the service. npd identifies potential partners and checks them against your quality and volume requirements before recommending any of them.
Can you support manufacturing at high volume as well as low volume runs?
Yes. npd’s network spans everything from small-batch production through to mass manufacturing set up specifically for a project’s volume requirements.
