Goss Components' headquarters in North London runs to more than 10,000m², and facilitates the production of over 600 million items each and every year. However, the recent investment in a new Itaya MX40A wire forming machine has necessitated a change to the current manufacturing infrastructure to accommodate the new machine as it is simply too large to be housed in the company's current home!
However, the growth plans are by no means limited to here in the UK. In fact, 35% of Goss's sales in the past year were exports - a concept that Nicholas Goss, managing director, attributes to its ever-improving reputation: "Many of our past customers from years gone by have since packed up and moved away, or sent assembly out to different places. But they still come back to us, obviously remembering the quality that Goss has provided". The components specialist aims to expand its global presence in 2009, and is currently contemplating the opening of an additional new facility in the Czech Republic; a move that could certainly pay dividends for both Goss and its customers.
Despite this, Goss still remains proud to be British, and is especially proud of the fact that it is one of the few surviving manufacturing companies in the area. "Many local companies that were seen as competitors back in the 1950s have either packed their bags and moved overseas or have ceased trading altogether", Goss notes. This, perhaps more than anything else, is proof that Goss has stood the test of time, and indicates that they will be around for a long time to come - something that cannot necessarily be said for many other outfits in the UK at present. "We believe that there is a higher product quality in the UK [than elsewhere], offering more competitive prices and a faster turnaround", Goss continues. "Goss delivers quality products, on time". These qualities have certainly been noted by its loyal customers, and have ensured that the company continues to succeed despite increasing economical problems.
The Itaya MX40A is one of many new innovations launched by Goss in the past year, and the machine's capability extends its production range all the way up to 4mm - essentially doubling its previous size range. The MX40A is also bigger, faster and more accurate than previous offerings, assuring its success in the marketplace. Goss is renowned for its high volume production, but is set to place more emphasis on medium and low volume production in the coming months, adding even more value for its customers.
Another feat accomplished by Goss in the past year was the revival of its apprenticeship programme, which gave four people the opportunity to develop their skills within a highly experienced organisation. The skills shortage has been a topic of great debate in the last twelve months, and Goss is pleased that it is fulfilling its role by addressing the situation. "In the past, many apprentices were finding that there were no employment opportunities at the end of their programmes. But this is no longer the case, and so we will continue with the scheme", Goss explains. "It has also benefited existing staff members, who are keen to further their own skills by requesting similar training schemes themselves". A positive situation not just for those involved, but for the industry as a whole.
With the manufacturing industry falling on hard times as of late, Nicholas Goss was recently approached by media giants BBC, ITN and The Times (amongst others) for his valued comments - proof, if any was needed, that Goss Components continues to be one of the most well established and respected players in its field.
The company will be showcasing its products at Southern Manufacturing 2009 (11-12 February, in Farnborough) and Ireland Manufacturing 2009 (November, in Dublin).