Spirex Metal Products Case Study

This assignment examines Spirex Metal Products Limited, a Hertfordshire-based sheet metal fabricator with 40 years of experience. The analysis focuses on the company's operations, services, market position, technological advancements, and challenges faced in meeting evolving customer demands within the UK manufacturing landscape. The goal is to understand Spirex's strengths, identify areas for improvement, and explore future trends impacting their industry.

CONTEMPORARY
DEVELOPMENT IN
BUSINESS AND
MANAGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
Impact of external factors............................................................................................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
Technological change..................................................................................................................4
Effectiveness of organisation's response.....................................................................................7
Areas for making improvements.................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11
APPENDICES...............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
The businesses are operated in a dynamic environment which is affected by various
elements like political, economical, social and technological. It is necessary to manage the
organisation efficiently so that all mentioned factors cannot impact functions of a company
adversely. The management use to work for various areas along with ascertainment of goals,
objectives, vision and mission (Schmiedel, Vom Brocke and Recker, 2014). The present case of
Spirex Metal products will be reflecting on this management side with its contemporary
developments taken place. The cited company is a manufacturing organisation that deals in
manufacturing of fine sheet metal components since 40 years in Hertfordshire UK. Report will
show several impacts of factors that exist in business environment. The report will throw a light
on these factors and its impact on organisational activities. Besides this, various downturns and
improvements that are seen in present business world has been depicted that helps in
understanding various issues and their impacts on business.
TASK 1
Impact of external factors
There are a number of factors that combine to impact a particular organisation in several
ways. In the external environment, customers are major component for which companies have to
base their various activities as they have dynamic demands and needs (Orozco, Tarhini and
Tarhini, 2015). The Spirex Meta;l products has focussed its activities on accomplishing various
projects on time with the help of advanced machineries and equipments. Besides this, the
foremost customers for the said enterprise are various business firms that purchase manufactured
and engineered products for further processing. Thus, the cited firm has its relation based on
B2B customers. Some of the major external factors that can impact organisation in various ways
can be understood with a focus on PEST or Political , Economical, Social and Technological
factors which are as follows:
 Political factors: The political factors form a major part that influences any industry in
various ways that can be either beneficial or unfavourable for a company depending on
its nature and size (Dev, 2013). In UK, the government enacts various policies for varied
number of industries that can impact a specific sector of business. The major objective of
government is to bridge the gap between demand and supply along with maintaining

maximum production capacity. The manufacturing of sheet metal components in which
the cited business deals includes different metals like steel, aluminium, copper, brass etc.
The government of UK has made a policy, where it attempts to provide special incentives
to this sector. Besides this, the government encourages to use opportunities by availing
several price cuts on import of raw materials and using various infrastructures for
manufacturing work. Further, it provides various grants to the sector where many metal
have been provide with increased sales tax. These schemes have helped in developing the
work with increased opportunities. Its benefits are used by both public and private sectors
as well (Graedel and et.al., 2012). While on other hand, it is necessary to mention that
many infrastructures in the country which are used in manufacturing businesses are not
enough to maintain proper work. Thus, government needs to make some strict steps that
can help in development of infrastructures and also in manufacturing industries.
 Economic factors: The metals industry includes a number of products that are able to
bring a boom in the market. The said sector has various works in this scenario where it
works for converting different metals into fine sheets. The raw material used in this
process like steel, aluminium etc. have been in a growing demands sine many years. But
UK has witnessed a reduction in demand on many metals. It has been observed that the
major challenge is faced in this demand and supply process is cost and inaccessibility of
industries towards raw materials. But the good side in this sector is organisation has
become more capital intensive. Along with this, the productivity of labour has also
increased which will help in better performance of said company (Singh, 2013).
Moreover, with increased globalisation in market, the interaction between various
countries have emerged which helps in better access of materials and using them for
production. Various taxation policy has also been set up which is based on payment to
two different levels like central government and also local government. In addition to
this, it is apparent that the UK has diverse talents that are concentrated in limited market
where large portion of industries have recruited their workforce who are highly qualified
like technicians, managers and engineers. But some of the industries like stated
organisation are suffering from lack of skilled workforce. This challenge is necessary to
address as soon as possible so that availability of diverse talents can be applied in
different industries.

 Social factors: The social factors are composed of various elements which mainly
includes the behaviour and attitudes of people existing within society (Zhou and Pindiriri,
2015). Their behaviour shapes choices and preferences as well. In context of present
business form, it makes efforts to manufacture the products to supply it various
organisations that further convert it into products that are useful for delivering customers.
Thus, the major focus is laid on demands and needs of the clients so that production
capacity can be derived to match high level of capacity. The major segment of customers
involve clients within European market. Further, the company is also contributing in
generation of employment as the process needs skilled and professional employees who
can work in efficient and perfect manner in carving out the desired product. It is also
evident that the industries of such manufacturing works help in overall development of
area and society as well.
 Technological impact: The cited business venture base its production on high quality with
a focus on innovations and creation of value for its clients. The company has its main
objective to deliver all simple to complex projects on time with high-end innovations in
work (Trappler, 2013). All these efforts have been proved to be of fruitful by
advancement in technologies and use of effective equipments. Besides this, the
technological transformation is supported by skilled workforce and efficiency of its
manpower that delivers high quality work to its clients. Besides this, the technological
development is highly dependent on research and development activities for which
companies allot a separate fund so that it can remain up to date with present technologies.
This also helps in making preparation for upcoming changes and advancements in
technologies. Sometimes the scarcity of funds for research work may pose a challenge in
this development. Therefore, it is necessary that company provides a considerable R&D
activity for keeping pace with continuous improvements. Moreover, various legislations
made by government in technology sectors helps companies to acquire license and
patents. Thus, this helps cited entity in maintaining its effectual relation with clients by
providing small to big and complex to simple projects on time (Choo, Nag and Xia,
2015).
 Legal: It is evident that employees who are working in such manufacturing industries
related to metals, are more prone to have various health issues. This poses a danger to

their life because of which several policies and legal cats have been made for providing
safety and security to people working in this industry. Some health incentive schemes
have been provided by the government that provides security for employees. Besides this,
the said business firm also ensures proper working conditions at workplace so that
workers can be maintained in minimum risky environment with better safety and
security. Further, company has the provision of providing compensation to its staff in
case of any harm caused to workers due to working conditions provided within company
(Mehta, 2016).
 Environment: The environmental concern is a major factor that must be addressed by the
manufacturing companies like Spirex. This helps in maintaining a level in the
environment that could be dangerous if disturbed. In this context, ETS or Emission
Trading Scheme is emerged in UK which helps in control of such issues. The said
scheme was launched on 2005 with the purpose of fighting with global warming. The
policy provides a protection to the environment from various ill effects that may result in
negative implications due to various production processes. Any uncertainties related to
environmental policies in country may lead to discouraging the investors. Therefore, it is
necessary that government makes some strict policies that can help in saving
environment. The said business firm should also comply with structured rules and try to
minimise the affects that can harm environment (Gutowski and et.al., 2013). This will
help in reducing various risks that will be beneficial for company as well as for
environment.
TASK 2
Technological change
The technological changes in industries shows various implications due to which a firm
advances its processes. Due to various advancements came in recent years have shown that
technological changes have a mixed effect on various sectors of economy. In earlier times, the
changes in technological factors was evident in modifications related to production activities.
This modification often lead to various increased outputs with the helps of available resources.
Besides this, another impact of such changes were apparent in cost reduction as well where firms
became able to produce more output with reduced cost. In recent developments and changes that

have taken place in technologies, a large number of characteristics have been included. This
involves size, reliability, modernisation, speed and consumption of low energy (Sabio and et.al.,
2015). As per the size, various new equipments are available in considerably lower size which
takes lesser space at manufacturing place. In Spirex, it is evident that converting different metals
into fine sheets is a quite complex process which needs lot of time and cost. Besides this, the
equipments used in this process also involve high cost and space that makes production process
very convoluted. Therefore, the technical advancements came in this sector helps firm in easy
access and more options in the production layouts. Another major impact that has affected the
said firm and similar organisation of this industry due to technological change is innovation. The
innovation in various fields have helped in increasing the developments in specific sectors. The
mentioned industry can be categorised under energy intensive sectors that has a considerable
impact on environment. The advancement in techniques have brought changes in manufacturing
techniques. Now the said firm is able to make use of scarce resources in a better way with proper
maintenance of its quality. The new advancements recommends to make changes in the
processes through adoption of digital technologies (Gutmann, Cantillo and Kappe, 2015). The
use of digital tools and techniques in manufacturing or related works, will completely change the
process of work done. Besides this, it also leads to better speed of work that will help the cited
organisation to deliver products on time to its clients. Therefore, in recent times, more stress is
laid on investments in the field of automation. This helps in making more benefits by using
resources to their best and fullest. The mentioned entity admits that it is trying to find out various
technologies that can help in manufacturing of standard quality metal components that can be of
more help through technological and financial perspectives. A group of European researchers
have utilised the surface properties of the lotus leaf to stimulate them in processing a method of
manufacturing fluid-repellent surfaces. High-power laser cutting inclinations create a tailored,
rough micro-topography on sheet metal that incepts liquids to be repelled. The chapped surface
build small pockets of air that minimise the contact area between the surface and a liquid,
causing the liquid to form spherical droplets that slide off (Haynes, 2014). This advancement and
research in this field will help in enhancement of productivity and reducing costs that will be
more contributing in the field of food and production industry.
In recent times, it is seen that Engineering and Physical science research council
(ESPRC) has made a decision to arrange for funds that can help in setting up research hubs. This

agency established by UK government helps in providing researches and trainings in the field of
engineering. The major aim of this research hub is to continuously finding those technologies
that can help in development of various work process specially in the filed of engineering and
physical sciences. In this context, the agency makes utilisation of various experts in such field
who can assist in advancement of manufacturing potential and making improvements in
innovative techniques. This development has helped the said enterprise as it also makes
utilisation of various technologies based on such improvements. Besides this, it has aided in
taking better decisions related to management and using technologies that are helpful in
improving the processes (Joshi, 2016). The mentioned agency of ESPRC has made various
researches which helps in development of automated technologies of manufacturing in the field
of metal components, construction and energy intensive sectors. The government of UK has
made a remark on this advancement that new innovations and developments in the technologies
will help in creation of new products and identifying more opportunities which will help in
enhancement of productivity and competitiveness. The said hub has entered into R&D activities
that helps in producing and manufacturing metals that are of high standard (Dev, 2013). Besides
this, it is also focussed that different processes included in this sector like metal folding, laser
cutting, welding and giving finishing to the products can be done with more expertise and
developed technologies so that it can help in making improvements in the process of their
manufacturing. The said developments and advancements helps the said firm in formulating
sound policies for manufacturing process which are based on effective equipments and
techniques. In addition to this, it is also evident that due to alterations in technological
equipments, company has more ability to take better decisions related to manufacturing
processes. The various complex works related to organisation have become easier to handle as
per the modern methods (Schmiedel, Vom Brocke and Recker, 2014). The cost of operations
have become less which has resulted in the advancement of new policies that has given
flexibility to employees with more facilities. Better working conditions and flexible working
hours have helped employees in performing with better efficiency. Moreover, the stated
business enterprise can take major decisions related to making modifications in processes can be
taken more easily as the impacts are almost same.

Effectiveness of organisation's response
As per the above mentioned changes in technologies, the said firm has shown a better
response by achieving improvements in manufacturing sectors. According to Singh, (2013) the
entire industry has shown a significant increase in input and output which has resulted from
establishments of various research and development activities. As per the reports, the
organisations like Spirex have made a good growth in this sector which is evident from the
results showing up in their revenues and profits. Because of this improvement in technologies,
the demands by clients have also enhanced. This has given a positive outlook to the entire
industry as well as individual organisations. In response to the recent developments, one more
factor has acquired its importance which is cloud computing. Though the concept is not new, yet
due to various developments in technologies and more sophisticated demands the use of this
concept has taken a rise. The said firm also makes use of this technology as it helps in
maintaining more accuracy and speed in work. In the views of Trappler, (2013)this methodology
helps in doing better work under pressure without disturbing accuracy and time taken to
accomplish the work. Through this, the stated organisation connects its work with cost effective
ways. The mentioned business has uses this concept in following ways:
Quality management: The mentioned enterprise makes use of this technique as it helps in
checking the quality on continuous basis. The portals of supervisors shows the quality standards
which must be met by the manufactured product. This makes the possibilities of occurring errors
and flaws in the process less. Additionally, Mehta, (2016)asserts that it also helps in maintaining
the delivery time with a proper check on order process and its status. The entire report is visible
to the concerned person so that they can maintain a proper check on different processes that are
taking place at various levels.
Forecasting: Another development in this process is related to various ERP software which
keeps the record of orders, material used, its proper delivery and also about various suppliers.
Thus, the software provides detail information about different aspects that can help in forecasting
the future demands that can be made by various clients. Sabio and et.al., (2015) opined that as
per this forecast, the company maintains its production process which are based on more logical
operations. Besides this, it helps in making arrangements for required resources on advance basis
along with proper planning.

Automated customer service: The mentioned entity makes use of this advancement by
integrating various customer support services. Through this, it makes better relationship with its
B2B client base. The clients can also make contact with organisation and enquire about orders,
its processing and also access of other informations which they need.
Flexibility: The foremost advantage of this facility is its high end security which was the biggest
issue in earlier times. The mentioned firm access its various activities through this software
which helps to work with ease and extended hours. According to Haynes, (2014). the features of
cloud computing helps managers in getting more free time which they can dedicate in different
development policies. Thus, the senior management can devote their time to more productive
works which can help in making improvements in the working of company. Moreover, the
technologies used are more potential that can be helpful in achieving the business objectives
along with improvements in the customer's needs.
The use of metals in different sectors is evident because of its various characteristics
which makes it more energy efficient. Due to this, it is more preferred in different sectors that
makes it durable that any other material. The B2B customers of said business enterprise consist
of architects, construction companies and many other industries. As per Orozco, Tarhini and
Tarhini, (2015) the metals are preferred by these industries as they give better looks and easy to
design as per the choice. The structure which is provided by architects to different buildings and
other furnitures, provides flexibility in using it as per their choice. The metals are more
economical tools than any other material which saves cost and energy to a great extent. The
metals provide more durability along with little cost on repairs and maintenance. Besides this,
the metals used in different works have the capacity of recyclable. On this basis, the metals used
for various purposes provide more sustainability and ability to manufacture large structures.
Therefore, it is said by Graedel and et.al., (2012) that metal provide various facilities of
versatility, sustainability and also economical features that makes it more preferable among other
products in various fields. Mentioned entity also makes use of various metals that have the
capability to perform better as per the clients' needs and demands. The said business also does
laser cutting in which the sheets of metals are cut into various desired shapes. The procedure
used in this cutting is complex and needs a lot of expertise by using technologies. Thus, the use
of technologies have made the way easier for performing different works based on
manufacturing or other related business.

Areas for making improvements
It is apparent that BREXIT is the main concern in recent time which is prevalent in many
organisations of UK (UK MANUFACTURING. 2017). Because of various risks that are related
with separation of UK with European union, different companies started different techniques that
can make improvements in their working procedures so that they can have a little impact of
BREXIT on them. But the fact is still there are large risks associated with this that makes
manufacturing industries endangered and prone to various risks in coming years. It has been
forecasted that due to BREXIT, the demands in this sector will contract to a large extent. The
sheet metal which is made in the Spirex is major work of cited firm which will be affected along
with entire industry. To make a solution, it is necessary that company comes up with an
integration of two things which are use of efficient technologies and employment of skilled
workforce (Joshi, 2016). With the help of this combination, it is the industries will have a dual
impact in the form of increased productivity through better technologies and bringing
innovations in work through skilled workforce. With the implementation of new and improved
equipments, it is necessary to develop a team. Along with this, it is necessary that teams are
given proper training so that they can handle these technologies and use it in proper manner
(Zhou and Pindiriri, 2015). This will also contribute in gaining coordination and acceptance from
employees which is a first step towards attaining success. Thus, training of available workforce
to increase their familiarity with new technologies is a crucial part in making improvements that
must be adopted by mentioned business firm as well as by similar organisations of this industry.
Another method that can be applied the stated business enterprise is Point of sale (POS)
and point of purchase (POP) which is a beneficial tool in attracting customers by exposing the
products in which company deals. This will draw the attention of various clients contributing in
making sales of business high. The display of items can be made more attractive by apparently
using different materials for showing varied designs (Choo, Nag and Xia, 2015). The displayed
items can be a critical tool in attracting customers and making it more appealing for clients. The
mentioned business firm can take the help of its engineers so that they can design the item as per
the ideas and wishes of clients which will help in manufacturing of a model that gives a similar
look of intended product. Thus, company can show the model in advance to its clients take their
approval on the basis of their choice.

Apart from above mentioned recommendations, some other factors that must be
improved on continuous basis are quality, price, control and communication. By focussing upon
all these factors, a company will have improved demands and more customer satisfaction. The
high quality of products will help in maintaining clients satisfaction. Similarly, by putting a
check on prices, the company will be able to maintaining its processes at a minimum cost
contributing in profits of organisation (Gutowski and et.al., 2013). Moreover, the entities should
have a proper communication with different stakeholders who can provide different benefits if
provided with important informations timely.
CONCLUSION
The contemporary developments show that the there are various business practices and
norms that are applied by various industries which makes them competitive and put them in
advantageous positions. The present report is based on various factors that have an impact on
management and business operations. The chosen organisation for this purpose is Spirex which
is a manufacturer of sheet metal components and various engineering goods. The report has
discussed PESTLE model to understand different impact that these factors have on mentioned
organisation. Besides this, the report has articulated that recent advancements in technologies
help in maintaining production and growth of companies. Further, the report concludes that there
can be various responses by the firm towards this advancements which must be addressed by the
companies. In addition to this, some recommendations have been made to improve like
integration of human skills with improved technologies, implementation of point of sale POS and
(POP) point of purchase concept etc.

REFERENCES
Journals and Books
Choo, A.S., Nag, R. and Xia, Y., 2015. The role of executive problem solving in knowledge
accumulation and manufacturing improvements. Journal of Operations Management. 36,
pp. 63-74.
Dev, C.S., 2013. Challenges in Contemporary Hospitality Branding.
Graedel, T.E. and et.al., 2012. Methodology of metal criticality determination. Environmental
science & technology. 46(2). pp. 1063-1070.
Gutmann, B., Cantillo, D. and Kappe, C.O., 2015. Continuous‐Flow Technology—A Tool for the
Safe Manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. Angewandte Chemie
International Edition. 54(23). pp. 6688-6728.
Gutowski, T.G. and et.al., 2013. A global assessment of manufacturing: Economic development,
energy use, carbon emissions, and the potential for energy efficiency and materials
recycling.Annual Review of Environment and Resources. 38, pp. 81-106.
Haynes, R.J., 2014. A contemporary overview of silicon availability in agricultural soils. Journal
of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science. 177(6). pp. 831-844.
Joshi, V.K., 2016. Spintronics: A contemporary review of emerging electronics devices.
Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal. 19(3). pp. 1503-1513.
Mehta, S., 2016. Technology intensity and outward foreign direct investment from the Indian
manufacturing sector: A firm-level analysis. International Journal of Technology
Management & Sustainable Development. 15(1). pp. 37-59.
Orozco, J., Tarhini, A. and Tarhini, T., 2015. A framework of IS/business alignment
management practices to improve the design of IT Governance architectures. International
Journal of Business and Management. 10(4). p.1.
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Intensification of Discovery and Manufacture. Chemical Engineering & Technology.
38(10). pp. 1717-1725.
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instrument to measure organizational cultures’ support of Business Process Management.
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Singh, R., 2013. Some investigations for small-sized product fabrication with FDM for plastic
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Trappler, E.H., 2013. Contemporary Approaches to Development and Manufacturing of
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Online
UK MANUFACTURING. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<http://f1manufacturing.com/tag/uk-manufacturing/>. [Accessed on 27th January 2017].

APPENDICES
Spirex metal Products Limited is a company based in Hertfordshire, UK. This
organisation is engaged in manufacturing of sheet metals that are composed in fine lines and
engineering of various products. The said firm is providing its services since 40 years where it
has the objective of making investments in advanced machineries and equipments. Besides this,
it ensures the timely delivery of all the projects handled by it regardless of its complexity and
size. It provides reliable services that are intended to give highest satisfaction to all the
customers. The said entity provides services of fabrication in which it does all types of welding,
CNC punching, engraving and finishing. The organisation ensures availability of all its services
at best price that can provide competitiveness in the market. Spirex have made a great
development in this sphere which is apparent from the consequences showing up in their
revenues and earnings. Because of the transformation in technologies, demands by clients have
also enhanced. In cited enterprise, it is manifested that transforming different metals into fine
sheets is a quite tangled process which requires lot of time and cost. Apart from this, the
equipments utilised in this procedure come to high cost and space that makes production process
very convoluted.
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