Abingdon coating firm P2i outsources production on new machine

A coating tech company that protects millions of electronic devices every year has extended its manufacturing outsourcing partnership with PP Control & Automation (PP C&A).

Abingdon-based P2i – now in its 21st year of operation – is using the West Midlands-based manufacturer to help it bring its new 18L machine to market, which applies liquid protection to mobile phones, medical implants and automotive electronics.

The new system is a smaller, standalone unit that’s less than half the footprint of the previous model’s footprint and can be used on any shopfloor in the world.

It took PP C&A just six months from the idea and machine design files being sent to producing the machine, which has already been sold to five customers across the world.

Phil Millard, head of engineering at P2i, said: “PP Control & Automation has been our manufacturing partner for more than half of our company life, and its DNA was embedded into our hugely successful existing machines.

“Getting them involved in our next generation 18L model at the earliest possible stage was the natural decision.

“Its proven new product introduction expertise was at the heart of the build, identifying a host of cost downs and build efficiencies and, importantly, assisting with the production engineering process.”

Tony Hague, CEO at PP Control & Automation, added: “Our partnership with P2i is a fantastic example of how strategic outsourcing should work.

“On the 18L, we’ve been able to eliminate 20 hours from the build process while still delivering the performance and quality demanded by the client.

“To develop a high-tech machine in just six months is some achievement, but I believe we’ll be even quicker next time.

“We both view iterations as a great learning process, and this approach has delivered some fantastic bottom-line benefits.”

Despite supply chain disruption and rising energy prices, P2i has continued to expand its global presence and diversify its offering.

It now employs more than 190 people globally at its facilities in Oxford and Shenzhen, China, plus satellite offices in Asia and the rest of the world – including technical and sales operations in India and the US.

The team are expecting high demand for the new 18L model.