The benefits of local manufacturing
As consumers, we're often guilty of turning a blind eye to how and where products are made. However, our views are beginning to change. For example, the impact of climate change is getting harder to ignore. Also, stories of worker exploitation in big company supply chains often hit the media. As a result, we're all becoming more conscious of the provenance of the products we buy.
Workplace furniture is no different. With companies seeking to become more sustainable, buying locally manufactured furniture can help reduce your organisation's carbon footprint. Locally made products are often of higher quality too. Manufacturing in your own country is also preferable if you're looking for a bespoke product.
Let's take a look at some of the benefits of local manufacturing.
A better quality product
Manufacturing locally results in a better quality product. Companies can collaborate more effectively with local manufacturers resulting in a higher standard of work.
Without language barriers or timezone differences, the manufacturer will have a closer relationship with the company. It's much easier for the two to communicate and cooperate. There'll be less chance of a communication breakdown.
Quality control will be better, and it'll be quicker to find solutions to problems. Companies can visit the manufacturing site too. There is far less chance of errors.
Quicker and more efficient delivery
Delivery is quicker and more efficient with locally manufactured products. They’re less likely to get damaged in transit or stuck in customs. It's much easier and faster to source new parts too.
For a workplace refit, meeting installation deadlines will be more manageable. There'll be less chance of the delays often incurred with international shipping.
Benefits to the environment
Most workplace furniture is manufactured overseas in countries with fewer air and water pollution restrictions. It can be shipped thousands of miles, adding to CO2 emissions.
Buying furniture that companies have manufactured locally reduces your carbon footprint substantially. This is because they will have produced it under tighter environmental regulations that restrict carbon emissions and ensure safe chemical disposal. For example, companies in the US and UK are subject to heavy fines if they don't dispose of industrial waste safely and securely.
Furniture shipped across the country uses a fraction of the fuel required to transport it from overseas. International shipping is a major contributor to global emissions, so buying locally manufactured furniture benefits the environment.
Western countries often claim to have made significant progress on the environment. However, they've often outsourced their pollution by manufacturing overseas. By buying locally manufactured products, you're helping reverse this trend.
With many companies examining their carbon footprint, it's worth looking at where furniture and other products you buy are made. Buying locally manufactured products will help reduce your carbon footprint significantly.
Better Conditions for workers
When you buy locally made products, there is less chance that manufacturers exploited anyone making them. Over the years, there have been many reports of child labour and other forms of exploitation in the supply chains of big companies. Reports of excessive hours and dangerous conditions have emerged in countries with less strict labour laws.
In the UK and US, manufacturers must comply with strict health and safety rules, and there are laws protecting workers' rights. As a result, workers benefit from better conditions.
The product is also likely to be of better quality if manufacturers look after workers' wellbeing. You can also feel confident that workers won't have produced locally made products in a sweatshop.
It helps the local economy
Manufacturing enhances the local economy by creating new jobs, sources of income and economic development. In addition, it keeps manufacturing skills alive within the country, helping future-proof against any global shocks.
Do you want to buy locally manufactured furniture for your workplace? At Technology Desking, we make our furniture in the UK. For our North American customer base, we manufacture in the US. We have long warranties on most of our products and provide replaceable components. Get in touch to find out more!