The gap between a finished design and a product in mass manufacture is where most 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 usually breaks down for the same reason: a lack of communication and understanding 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 we don’t already have one
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. Where volumes are low or a product is still small-batch, 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
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.
Both, depending on the project. npd prefers UK-based manufacturers for project management and sustainability reasons, and has established contacts overseas for projects that need that manufacturing capability.
npd’s core network includes plastic injection moulders, sheet metal fabricators and soft goods manufacturers, alongside specialist partners for precision and defence-grade production.
npd sources and vets new manufacturing partners on a project-by-project basis, so only manufacturers capable of meeting the required quality and volume are put forward.
Yes. npd’s network spans everything from small-batch production through to mass manufacturing set up specifically for a project’s volume requirements.
