Backing Britain: Frost Electroplating’s Commitment to Innovation and Reshoring

Frost Electroplating, a member of Made in the Midlands, has long been a leader in the electroplating sector, advancing high-tech solutions and reshoring more manufacturing work to the UK. Through strategic investment in research, development, and infrastructure, the company is positioned to meet the evolving needs of industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical devices. These efforts align with the goals of the #BackingBritain campaign, which advocates for stronger government support for the UK manufacturing sector.

Advancing Innovation and Specialised Electroplating Solutions

Frost Electroplating’s technical expertise is showcased in its bespoke plating solutions for a variety of industries. One of the company’s key projects involves working with Audi on the plating of parts for their Q7 and Q8 electric vehicles. The unique challenges of electroplating automotive components, especially for electric vehicles, require highly specialised solutions to meet durability and performance standards. These parts, which play a crucial role in the vehicle’s electrical system, must withstand wear, corrosion, and environmental stress. Frost’s ability to provide this level of tailored plating demonstrates the company’s technical depth.

Seamus Bourke, Director of Frost Electroplating, explains, “Our ability to adapt and develop bespoke electroplating processes has been key to maintaining our competitive edge. For the Audi project, we used advanced plating techniques to ensure that parts could endure the high-performance demands of electric vehicles, a sector that is rapidly evolving.”

Research and Development at the Core

Innovation is at the heart of Frost Electroplating’s operations. The company has invested significantly in R&D to develop new electroplating techniques and improve existing ones. This investment has enabled the company to stay ahead of industry trends, such as the demand for high-performance coatings in the growing electric vehicle sector. Frost has developed new plating processes that improve the durability of components, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.

Frost’s in-house R&D team works on creating bespoke plating systems that cater to the specific needs of clients, from complex aerospace components to highly specialised medical devices. In the case of the Audi project, the company had to make adjustments to standard plating specifications, ensuring they met the exacting standards required by the automotive industry. Frost’s ability to respond to these challenges and deliver customised solutions is a testament to the company’s technical expertise.

“We pride ourselves on our in-house R&D capabilities. When a client presents a challenge, we don’t just meet the standard; we go beyond it,” says Seamus Bourke. This approach has allowed Frost to take on complex projects and provide solutions that are unique to the needs of their clients.

Supporting Reshoring and Strengthening Local Supply Chains

Frost Electroplating is also committed to reshoring, bringing back manufacturing work that was once outsourced. This aligns with the Backing Britain campaign's call for a stronger, more resilient domestic manufacturing base. An example of reshoring involved a project for a Birmingham-based mint, where Frost was able to meet the technical specifications that had previously been handled overseas. The company’s investment in specialised plating equipment and processes was pivotal in bringing this work back to the UK.

Seamus Bourke notes, “By reshoring this project, we were able to provide higher-quality electroplating solutions than were available from overseas suppliers. Our in-house capabilities gave us the flexibility to meet the client’s needs and bring the work back to the UK.”

This commitment to reshoring is a key part of Frost Electroplating’s long-term strategy to strengthen local supply chains and contribute to the UK’s manufacturing resilience. The Backing Britain campaign’s emphasis on reshoring and local production is something Frost fully supports, as it ensures jobs and expertise remain in the UK.

Growth and Expansion: A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Frost Electroplating has ambitious plans for expansion. With a focus on increasing capacity and meeting the growing demand for high-tech electroplating services, the company aims to double its turnover over the next five years. Key to this growth will be continued investment in technology and infrastructure, including the expansion of its R&D facilities and the development of new production capabilities.

Frost Electroplating is also working to bridge the skills gap in manufacturing, which remains a major challenge for the UK sector. The company has placed a strong emphasis on training and development, ensuring that its team has the expertise to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.

Championing the Backing Britain Campaign

Frost Electroplating’s support for the #BackingBritain campaign reflects its broader commitment to the UK manufacturing sector. The campaign calls for a dedicated Minister for Manufacturing, with practical industry experience, to ensure that the sector receives the recognition and leadership it needs to thrive. Seamus Bourke adds, “The Backing Britain campaign aligns with our vision of a resilient, competitive manufacturing sector. Strong leadership and strategic investment are key to ensuring the UK remains a global leader in manufacturing.”

Frost Electroplating’s technical expertise and commitment to reshoring are integral to the broader efforts to strengthen UK manufacturing. The company’s continued success is a testament to the value of domestic production, skilled labour, and the kind of innovation that will drive the sector forward.

Join Us in Supporting the Future of UK Manufacturing

The #BackingBritain campaign is calling for stronger leadership and investment to ensure a thriving future for UK manufacturing. We urge you to join us in supporting this vital cause by signing our open letter to all UK MP’s. Your support is essential in ensuring that UK manufacturing gets the recognition and resources it deserves.

To add your voice to the campaign and make a difference, sign the open letter here. Together, we can help secure the future of British manufacturing.