TMS takes responsibility for inspiring next generation

A plastics processing specialist based in Cumbria is hoping that a new initiative with a neighbouring college will help shape the next generation of manufacturers.

The idea for the project began earlier this summer when Technical Moulding Services (TMS), which is headquartered in Ulverston, invited 20 students from nearby Victoria High School to discover more about what it does.

Over the past decade, TMS has carved out a niche for itself as a leading processor of flame retardant engineering thermoplastics using a technique called injection moulding. At its headquarters in Marl Business Park, the company’s five full time and three part time staff produce and assemble these components - which are predominantly used for electrical purposes - for customers in many different sectors.

Managing director Norman Porter thought that a site visit by the students - who have all just completed the first year of their A levels in either design and technology or business studies - was an ideal opportunity to promote manufacturing.

Consequently, he challenged them to come up with their own design for a product which the company will manufacture on their behalf at a later date.
Mr Porter explains: “This initiative is intended to help foster the next generation of manufacturers by demonstrating to these students just what a creative and highly rewarding sector manufacturing can be.

“After showing them around the site and giving them the opportunity to see for themselves how we process the materials from raw granules through to finished components, we looked at plastic component design and explained some of the do’s and don’ts when designing a component for injection moulding.

“As part of their course work, many of the students had produced and marketed a ball-point pen. We thought that it made sense - if they were going to be in the best possible position to sell the pens - to place them in bespoke display cases. And so we challenged them to design a box for precisely this purpose. When the students return to school next term, they will be given a design brief from which they can set to work creating their own individual display box designs.

“All completed designs will be reviewed by TMS and feedback will given to the students regarding areas of the designs that can be improved or modified to assist in cost effective manufacture of the product
“These design sessions will be a learning curve for the students - they have got to consider what material the components will be made from and whether stress areas will be created in the component due to the design. The winning team will get the chance to see their design become reality.”

Mr Porter said that the factory got some excellent feed-back from the groups during the visit with female students tending to ask the most questions.
Their tutor informed him following the visit that all the students had been both “inspired” and “motivated”.

Mr Porter adds: “We are quite a small manufacturer but something that has become obvious to us over the past decade is that today’s youngsters don’t get the opportunity to see real manufacturing first hand and therefore they do not consider manufacturing as a career option. We are hoping that this project will make them more aware of the career opportunities that are available in manufacturing and also make them realise just what a great career choice manufacturing could be.

“Simon, one of our staff at TMS, is a retained fire fighter who works with the students and tutors on the Young Fire Fighters project. During one of these sessions, Simon had discussions with one of the tutors regarding possibly launching a similar initiative with schools to showcase TMS as a manufacturer and to show the students what manufacturing is all about “TMS has nine injection machines and all of them are computer controlled to enable greater control of component quality and process efficiency.

The company specialises in manufacturing flame retardant engineering thermoplastic components for its various clients. Production runs vary from prototype tool testing to full production quantities of many thousands. Since it was established in 2000, TMS has built up a good customer base and is currently working with clients operating in sectors such as commercial property, health and education, lighting and the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Porter said: “It is often said by the people of this country that manufacturing is dead - but nothing could be further from the truth. The last couple of years have been difficult for all manufacturers, but there are signs that things are now turning around.

“Indeed, manufacturing is now being looked upon as one of the strongest-placed sectors to help lead this country out of the recession.

“Over the past few weeks, we have been in meetings with a large company that is considering bringing their manufacturing back to us rather than using the overseas firms that they have previously relied upon. Eight years ago, this would never have happened - it was at that time that they were moving all their manufacturing abroad.

“TMS is now planning for its future here in Ulverston and this scheme is our way of showing youngsters what a great career manufacturing can offer.”