"Why is local manufacturing important?"

In our ongoing Factory Friday series, we delve into the stories behind some of the Scottish Manufacturers that you can find on Make Works. 

This week we've taken our favourite answers to the question "Why is local manufacturing important?" 

Andrea and Rodger, Skye Weavers, Weavers, Isle of Skye

“For me, the main arguments in support of local manufacturing are that it creates connections within communities, provides jobs, and enables ongoing conversation in perfecting a product. Local manufacturing is never going to be the cheapest option, but the proximity between producer and buyer can help form great working relationships. These relationships are essential in getting a product just right. 

Often there is a gap in understanding between manufacturer and designer/customer. Being near a producer means a customer can call in and have a look at the production process. Understanding the possibilities and limitations of particular processes can be of great value for creating a new product. Likewise, a manufacturer might get new ideas about altering production processes, if asked to make a particular item.” 

Guy Scott, Broad Workshop, Woodworker, Edinburgh 

“I think that any city benefits greatly from having a range of small manufacturers close at hand. It gives a flexibility to other businesses and creative industries to push what they do in new directions. A varied ecosystem is a resilient thing.”

Emma, ESK Glazing, Glass Workshop, Montrose

“I think local manufacturing is very important as it means more jobs can be created in the community. It also means lower costs and better quality control as the product isn't travelling far, so there would should be less chance of damage and any issues can be resolved quickly.”

Tod, B Scenic, Bespoke Fabricators, Edinburgh 

“Manufacturing is important to our local community because it maintains a high quality local skill base, local and regional suppliers of materials and services and promotes training opportunities. The more we can offer existing and potential clients the better for everyone.”

Robin, Downie Allison Downie, Bookbinders, Glasgow

“If we don’t support local binders and outsource to Italy, China, Germany etc. then bookbinding in the UK will eventually disappear. Due to the high skill level and the cost of machinery involved in setting up a bindery it would be unlikely that it will continue as a viable business in the UK. If we don’t use it we’ll lose it! Being a small local business also grants us a huge degree of flexibility and willingness to collaborate with a customer to get exactly what they’re looking for – something you won’t find on cheap online bookmaking websites.

By using a local bookbinders you are investing in the trade and skill. Our team here at Downie Allison Downie understand the market of Glasgow. We have good relationships with the creative industries and other manufacturers in Scotland whom we collaborate with regularly, which allows us to offer the best service to our customers. 

Finally, we believe that the most important part of having a local bookbinder is that you can pop in and see us! We email or speak on the phone with people daily about their bookbinding repairs or projects, but there’s no alternative to getting your hands on the book to get an understanding of what is involved, or showing the customer that materials and examples to help them take their project forward.” 

If you have enjoyed reading this, you can find more of our Factory Friday interviews here