The enclosure industry plays a crucial role in safeguarding industrial equipment. We spoke with Amcanu Ltd and North Eastern Composites, who shared their insights on the industrys challenges, innovations, and future outlook.
From the rise of programmable manufacturing technologies to sustainability initiatives and the importance of durable hardware, discover how we work together to develop solutions that last.
- What is your company’s role in the enclosures industry?
AMCANU: Amcanu specialises in the technical design and manufacture of industrial enclosures and technology cabinets. Our products are designed to improve the operation and performance of industrial-scale pumps and mechanical equipment, while also enhancing the functionality of cutting-edge technologies such as metal additive 3D printers, hydrogen generators, and battery energy storage systems.
North Eastern Composites: At North Eastern Composites and Cube Composites Ltd we manufacture high quality GRP Kiosk, enclosures, Substations.
- What are the biggest challenges currently facing the enclosures industry?
AMCANU: Cost of materials. Cost of energy. Overseas competition. Labour market.
North Eastern Composites: Ensuring that all products are fully compliant with the requirements of different sectors.
- What innovation or trends do you see shaping the future of enclosures?
AMCANU: Programmable manufacturing technologies, such as lasers and robots, are driving more advanced designs, rapid prototyping, and fast iterative development. As technology advances at a rapid pace, our role is to support this pace and help innovation thrive here in the UK.
North Eastern Composites: I see a lot of traction in reducing the weight of large enclosures, Substations to help with lowering the carbon footprint of the product, we are constantly looking at raw material and advancements in materials to offer a better product.
- How is the industry adapting to environmental and regulatory pressures? (Green initiatives – solar panels)
AMCANU: Sustainability is a key consideration for all of our customers and there’s a lot of investment in clean energy technologies. Our role is to ensure we can house our clients’ equipment – whilst maintaining optimum performance and ensuring these new technologies continue to satisfy their regulatory requirements.
North Eastern Composites: Within the GRP industry their great advancements in a greener raw material and industry is looking at ways to cut costs and save money, energy is one of our largest overheads, solar panels, wood burning heaters, LED lighting are a few areas we have invested in.
- What are the key qualities you look for in hardware for enclosures?
AMCANU: Durability. More often than not, our enclosures are being used to house critical equipment in harsh environments or under challenging conditions. We always consider durability when selecting the hardware for our enclosures – no-one wants a component to fail at the exact moment they need to use it.
North Eastern Composites: Quality, stock levels, ease of use, good material source
- How important are partnerships with providers like Albert Jagger in your projects?
AMCANU: We choose our suppliers carefully. We want to work with organisations that share our values and are also committed to delivering products of the highest quality. We put an enormous amount of trust in our suppliers as ultimately, any non-conformance reflects badly on us. As soon as a component is installed on one of our products, the quality of that component is a reflection of our own brand.
North Eastern Composites: Albert Jagger is a key supplier with in our industry and offers a good product range with fantastic stock levels and service.
- Can you share an example of a successful project, and the role hardware played in its success?
AMCANU: Hardware failures used to be a common occurrence and a real point of frustration for both us and our customers. Working in partnership with Albert Jagger, we consciously set-out to resolve these issues and design hardware solutions that would withstand our specific use cases. Together, over the course of many years, we developed new hardware – testing each design until we achieved the quality and durability our customers expect and demand. Getting these small and seemingly simple details correct is critical for the overall user satisfaction. And, we’re pleased to say… hardware failure is now a thing of the past.
North Eastern Composites: We have several projects which we have used Albert Jagger products for example hinges, shoot bolts. 3-way locking. Mainly on BESS storage, solar farms, substations, electrical switch rooms and electric car charging.
- What do you think the enclosures industry will need most from suppliers in the next 5-10 years?
AMCANU: Collectively, our entire industry must get a grip of costs. Costs have spiralled out of control in recent years and customers are being forced to consider alternative options – whether they be alternative materials or manufacturing overseas. If the UK is to grow its manufacturing capability like our government would like, we must improve efficiencies and drive down costs throughout the entire supply chain.
North Eastern Composites: Costs, quality of products, TD sheets, 3rd party testing.
The enclosures industry is balancing innovation, sustainability, and cost efficiency. As companies like Amcanu and North Eastern Composites continue to evolve, strong supplier relationships and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies will be key in shaping the future of industrial enclosures.