Trading spare capacity on the web

Manufacturers are claiming that a web-based system that broadcasts their spare capacity to a network of potential UK users is bringing success. CapacityTrader.com provides daily updated availability on anything from specialised multi-axis laser engraving and sliding head machining to press brake facilities from a range of UK manufacturers. It also covers multi-axis CNC machining, fabrication and injection moulding and vacuum forming. Some companies post their project requirements on the website, and that’s free, while suppliers with spare capacity post their availability for £650 per year. L&D Engineering and S&S Plastics, both in Nottingham, have both won business. S&S, for example, reports that it offered spare tool-room resource to CapacityTrader and got a precision machining job from valve mounting kit manufacturer Quickits that might otherwise have gone overseas. Says Richard Munyard, S&S managing director: “I am happy to offer my spare tool-room capacity at a price that adds contribution. I offer my spare capacity at a good price and still make a profit. I intend to use CapacityTrader to drive the sale of my excess capacity.”