Forge Motorsport

The Customer
This Gloucestershire-based business manufactures automotive components and has developed the largest range of replacement aftermarket valves, intercoolers, and actuators in the world.  They currently supply products to all the leading names and race teams in the world of Motorsport including F1, WRC, Rally X, and Le Mans, as well as enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Having previously supported Forge Motorsport to adopt new CNC software back in 2019, SWMAS’ experience was called upon once again to help them implement new digital technologies that would contribute to highly beneficial, and cost-saving, business transformation.

The Challenge
Forge Motorsport relied heavily on handcrafting for prototyping of both new and replica products. These processes were dependent upon a small number of highly skilled employees, resulting in high costs and lengthy turnaround times.

How SWMAS Helped
SWMAS assessed the business needs and confirmed that a 3D Scanner and Printer would be a viable solution to provide a faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective means of prototyping. This expert advice gave Forge Motorsport the confidence and motivation to take the next step and adapt to this new technology. As well as offering specialist help and support in respect to this investment, SWMAS provided a grant towards the cost of this new digital equipment. 

Forge Motorsport also benefited from attending regular ‘Manufacturing Resilience’ webinars. These weekly sessions were hosted by SWMAS to help SMEs address issues in key areas such as customer and employee engagement, clean growth, and design best practice. 

The Outcome
The adoption of this new digital technology within the business will lead to a significant reduction in turnaround time for prototypes, so products are completed in days rather than weeks. This investment also reduces prototyping costs and improves the overall quality of the goods produced.

Forge Motorsport always seeks to identify and implement new technology when appropriate, so I was very pleased to be able to provide support towards their procurement of 3D scanning and printing equipment. Investment in this type of technology can be transformational for businesses like Forge, who have already begun to derive significant benefits from its application. I look forward to working with them as they continue to grow and adopt new digital technologies.

Alun James, Manufacturing Specialist

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This support has been provided through the Gloucestershire Manufacturing Advisory Programme (GMAP), which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Fully-funded business development support and grants are available to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies across the South West - read more here.