Birmingham-based Barkley Plastics, a specialist in precision injection moulding and toolmaking, is celebrating six decades in business with a series of high-profile contract wins. The company now produces luxury shower components, EV charger parts for Fast Amps, and sustainable plumbing fittings for Ecoclip, alongside its existing work for Nissan, Toyota, and Jaguar Land Rover.
Rebounding Stronger After Pandemic Challenges
After weathering a difficult two years, the firm is on track to surpass £4 million in revenue, with ambitious plans to grow further by 2026. A £100,000 facility upgrade—including collaborative robots (cobots) and a new quality control lab—has boosted efficiency, positioning Barkley to capitalize on reshoring trends in UK manufacturing.
Legacy of Innovation and Precision Engineering
With ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, Barkley’s in-house toolroom and 30 moulding presses (5–650 tonne) enable it to produce components from sub-gram micro-parts to large 2.5kg assemblies. Past projects include the iconic 1970s ‘Homepride Flour Men’ and 20,000 baubles for the Sochi Olympics’ record-breaking chandelier.
Sustainability and Automation Drive Future Growth
The company is actively reducing its carbon footprint through partnerships with WMG on Net Zero initiatives and developing energy-efficient moulding technologies. However, Managing Director Matt Barkley highlights challenges, including Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone regulations, which he says strain local manufacturers competing globally.
Workforce Loyalty Anchors Success
A dedicated team—including six employees with over 30 years’ service—has been instrumental in Barkley’s resilience. “Our people’s commitment lets us deliver world-class quality,” said Barkley, who remains optimistic about reshoring opportunities despite policy hurdles. The firm’s blend of heritage craftsmanship and cutting-edge automation sets a benchmark for UK manufacturing’s future.
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