Case
Study
Milbank, based in Earls Colne in Essex, is a leading manufacturer of pre-cast concrete products for the construction industry. The company’s product range includes pre-stressed hollowcore floors, pre-stressed beam and block floors, and insulated ground floors, as well as specialist and bespoke products such as stadium terraces, coastal sea defence structures, wall panels and silage clamps.
Expanding business
Managing Director, Sean Milbank recognised the importance of taking the business forward by improving manufacturing processes and developing new products. During discussions on financing, the company’s bankers recommended the support available from Essex County Council's Essex Innovation Programme.
The Essex Innovation Programme helps companies like Milbank improve business performance.
“Manufacturers like Milbank operate in a very competitive marketplace. That’s why we are committed to helping Essex companies improve competitiveness and market share through a range of support programmes.”
Sarah Bell, Sector Development Manager, Essex Innovation Programme
After listening to Milbank’s needs, the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP) recommended participation in the Essex Manufacturing, Innovation and Growth (EMIG) programme, a partnership between EIP and IfM Education and Consultancy Services, the knowledge transfer arm of the Institute for Manufacturing.
Milbank Concrete qualified to be part of the PrISMS Programme which is run by the IfM ECS and which helps businesses grow in a sustainable way.
Supporting manufacturing efficiency
The EMIG programme provides companies like Milbank with practical support for developing expansion plans, reducing costs and improving productivity.
Members of the Institute for Manufacturing worked closely with Milbank on a number of strategic projects:
- defining the business growth strategy
- implementing an innovation process to support the growth strategy
- increasing revenues by 10% per annum
- reducing electricity consumption and energy bills by 20%
- optimising existing factory and yard layouts
- increasing manufacturing capacity by 10%
- maintaining existing jobs and increase staff levels by 5%
“We have developed a good relationship with the Essex Innovation Programme team. We are also sending members of our staff to the Institute for Manufacturing at Cambridge to develop their knowledge and skills, strengthening the relationship further.”
Sean Milbank, Managing Director
UK and export growth
The focus on improving manufacturing efficiency coincided with strong growth in the company’s business. In the UK, Milbank won important contracts with organisations such as the Environment Agency for sea defences and sports clubs for stadium upgrades, including the terraced seating for the Olympic Games’ hockey stadium.
Milbank is also expanding its business through innovation and its high focus on customer service. A joint venture with a German company (Bock UK Ltd) has brought new products and opportunities to further strengthen its growth.
“Working with IfM ECS on our strategy and how innovation plays a vital role gave us added vision and direction along with creating a platform for our valued staff to broadcast their ideas.
The full documented review of our energy usage carried out by Ecopare, a project partner in PrISMS, gave us a clear insight into what was needed to reduce our energy usage and, therefore, reduce our costs.
The benefits of this work also inspired us to pursue and obtain accreditation of ISO 14001:2004, where we reviewed our whole operation and practices to not only save money but reduce further our impact on the environment.”Andy Mayne, Managing Director
Milbank now has a broader mix of products and markets and expects much of its future growth to come from new products and services.
About the PrISMS Programme
The PrISMS Programme is for SMEs and start-ups in the Eastern Region funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It is managed and delivered by IfM ECS. The programme aims to transform the growth prospects of 50 start-ups and 70 SMEs across the Eastern Region – creating and safeguarding more than 140 jobs.
