Low-cost Tooling and Low Production Volumes for UK Manufacturer

Umbra Shading are a leading UK-based designer and manufacturer of blind and curtain solutions. With over 45 years of experience in the industry, they cater to various sectors, including hotels, assisted living facilities, and high-end residential spaces, while also offering bespoke solutions tailored to their customers' needs.

Umbra Shading continually evolves its products to meet market needs, which, along with its bespoke offering, means there are always new projects on the horizon. As is familiar with traditional injection moulding, Umbra Shading were faced with high tooling costs and large production volumes. Managing director, Nigel Hill, explains, “When starting a new project, initial requirements for parts are likely to be in the tens or hundreds, so an outlay of £15,000, or more, will always stop a project in its tracks”.

The good news is that Umbra Shading can benefit from the low-cost tooling system offered by JC Moulding. The unique processes at JC Moulding make small-run production possible without the high investment costs, immediately reducing the risk involved in starting a new project. As managing director, Nigel Hill explains, “JC Moulding have been the perfect partner for us over the years, both in assisting us with design and development, as well as producing what we need, all at a realistic cost that enables us to continue developing new and improved products”. As a result of working with JC Moulding, Umbra Shading can produce parts at low volumes and at a cost that makes their projects viable. The JC Moulding team can also provide 3D-printed prototypes to Umbra Shading, enabling the parts to be tested prior to production and avoiding costly modifications down the line. What’s more, there is no requirement to commit to larger quantities over time. Managing director, Nigel Hill comments, “We are able to put products to market in low quantities and then increase this when our requirements grow, which JC Moulding have had no trouble keeping up with”.

By leveraging JC Moulding’s unique offerings, Umbra Shading can continue to innovate and update its product portfolio in line with changing demands and trends. The range of products produced by JC Moulding has increased significantly since we first collaborated five years ago, with a total of 30 projects completed to date. As managing director, Nigel Hill comments, “We are now coming to JC Moulding to produce all of our new parts and we hope to have a long continuing partnership”.