Outsourcing apprehensions?
We get it

You’re considering an outsourcing partnership. But you’re understandably cautious. You have some ‘niggling’ doubt, especially given how much there is to consider when choosing a partner or understanding whether outsourcing is even the right solution for you in your current situation. You need reassurances.

We’re no strangers to the apprehensions people have; intrusive thoughts manifesting like pesky little critters. But you’re in the right place. This is where we eliminate those critters!

This is where we prove that it’s not so much an act of letting go but rather, gaining more. It’s not losing control of quality or contending with cost and time overruns; it’s about doing things better and faster with less risk. It’s not about listening to the inner doubt telling you that values and principles will never align; it’s about how values and principles combine and contribute to one of the most valuable strengths in manufacturing – that of innovative and value-added collaboration.

But… What keeps you up at night?


One of the most common apprehensions associated with outsourcing is the loss of control over the development process.

The fear that the partner may not adhere to the specifications and standards set by the machine builder or OEM, and that it may result in inferior quality of the final product is a concern.


Niggling Critters » PP Little monsters quality » PP Control & Automation
Niggling Critters » PP Little monsters overruns » PP Control & Automation

Machinery builders may fear that outsourcing will lead to cost and time overruns.

The partner may not be able to deliver the machine within the agreed-upon timeframe or may not be transparent on fees for additional work outside of the original scope or modifications.


“There is a real level of integrity to the relationship that is hard to achieve, and PP C&A have been completely transparent with us on the costs and the pricing to see if we can find ways to save money in the overall assembly.

“This has proven very successful, and we have secured several cost downs whilst maintaining the same level of quality and performance on what will be the next generation of our technology.”

Gary Robinson, Vice President of Sourcing, Winbro Group Technologies


Machinery builders may fear that their IP could be at risk when they outsource part, or the full machine build process.

There is a possibility that their IP may be leaked, misused, or replicated without their consent.


Niggling Critters » PP Little monsters portrait illustrations IP » PP Control & Automation
Niggling Critters » PP Little monsters portrait illustrations values » PP Control & Automation

Machine builders may be apprehensive about alignment in values and principles with an outsourcing partner.

Any new partnership can encompass concerns related to ethics, communication, reliability, and cultural fit.


“PP C&A is one of our critical partners, trusted for over 30 years, and supporting our ever-changing needs in design, engineering and production.

“This project was always going to be extremely challenging and we are delighted by the success and the ability of PP C&A to support us on this critically important opportunity on a UK designed and built machine.

Dave Fisher, Engineering Director, Mazak UK

Three stories that will help put you at ease over an outsourcing decision, turn the looming apprehension over losing control on its head, and answer every question you may have on how we abide by our uppermost pledge of making outsourcing easy…

Strategic outsourcing: The 50/50 principle will put you at ease

To build a sense of security and make outsourcing trouble-free for machine builders and OEMs, an outsourcing partner like PP Control & Automation will take several measures.

The act of letting go

Letting go is often the most challenging act for machine builders and OEMs to face as they embark on an outsourcing partnership. But the right partner should fill you with confidence.

Making outsourcing easy: Q&A with Garry Myatt

Sales Director, Garry Myatt brings experience to the topic of outsourcing and shines a light on PP C&A’s uppermost pledge: Making outsourcing easy.

The outsourcing strategies devised by PP C&A are helping machine builders and OEMs to maximise manufacturing output, reduce lead times and time to market, mitigate risk, adapt to peaks and troughs in demand, and improve cash flow.

Sgorran

A leading aquaculture specialist – that is changing the way fish are vaccinated safely – has signed a major manufacturing deal.

Customer Case Study Collection (2026)

Explore how PP Control & Automation helps machine builders and OEMs solve real operational challenges through strategic outsourcing.

EBar

One of the hospitality sector’s most significant innovations has been given a production boost thanks to the scale and outsourcing capability of PP Control & Automation.

P2i

Unique technology born in the heart of Oxfordshire is helping protect millions of electronic devices across the world and its impact is set to grow even further over the next eighteen months.

Inventor-e iVendScale+

The way companies access inventory management is changing rapidly and leading the charge is Solihull-based Inventor-e.

Hedinn

PP Control & Automation and Hedinn are now engaged in their 13th project together and the largest yet, the construction of a new plant for Sildarvinnslan.

Needham Group (Interactive)

Play an interactive video with hotpoints that delve into the story behind the manufacturing partnership with Needham Group and the assembly of its N-Lase range of products.

Winbro Group Technologies

A strategic manufacturing outsourcing partnership – built on trust, integrity and maximising each other’s production expertise – is celebrating ten years together with the launch of the world’s most productive EDM drilling machine.

Customer Case Study Collection (2021)

This collection of case studies examines some of the recent strategic outsourcing partnerships delivering against several business pains for machine builders and OEMs, and how those partners are benefiting from the PP C&A approach.

Needham Group

Turning to the strategic manufacturing outsourcing expertise of PP Control & Automation could prove to be a pivotal decision for Needham Group as it aims to turn a £30m expansion blueprint into reality.


A conclusion by Tony Hague, CEO

In the world of machine building and OEM collaboration, the decision to outsource part or all machine build process will often come with apprehensions around quality, cost and delivery, IP and design protection, and a general feeling around the “loss of control.”

Outsourcing is therefore an emotional decision as much as it is a rational one. So, it goes without saying that trust is paramount.

Truly understanding these concerns and addressing them with empathy has materialised into a very considered approach at PP Control & Automation. Best described as a set of procedures and pledges, this approach has become intrinsic.

Establishing a robust quality assurance framework addresses possibly the most common apprehension. PP C&A will always emphasise adherence to specified standards and regulations. Implementing rigorous quality control measures, periodic audits, and providing clear visibility into the development process has helped instil confidence regarding the quality of the final product.

Transparency is key, especially to mitigating concerns related to manufacturing costs. A detailed project timeline and cost breakdown from the outset goes without saying. Clear communication channels for addressing modifications or additional work, along with a commitment to meeting deadlines, have in our experience, helped demonstrate reliability and accountability.

Addressing fears of IP risk requires a comprehensive approach and starts with prioritising robust confidentiality agreements, secure data handling protocols, and restricted access to sensitive information. Regular updates on security measures, combined with a proven track record of safeguarding IP in previous collaborations are always reassuring and go a long way to gaining the necessary trust that the protection of intellectual assets is taken very seriously.

PP C&A prioritises open and honest communication. In fact, this very value is embedded throughout the entire organisation through adherence to our own core values. Establishing a strong foundation of shared principles, ethics, and cultural compatibility is vital. Clear channels for effective communication, a commitment to ethical business practices with a CSR policy, sustainability pledge and ESG focused initiatives demonstrate how PP C&A can be a cultural fit. An enduring partnership is as much about this special ‘fit’ as it is the mutual benefits of outsourcing.

Addressing these common concerns seriously, requires a proactive and transparent approach. If a potential outsourcing partner cannot articulate and demonstrate this, then it is likely that fostering a relationship based on mutual understanding and clear communication will be difficult. The right partner paves the way for a lucrative journey of innovation and efficiency, added value and growth.

The right partner is a trusted one.

Niggling Critters » PP Tony Hague signature WH » PP Control & Automation
Niggling Critters » PPAutomation Tony Profiles Aug2021 0069 CUTOUT » PP Control & Automation

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There should always be a process of consideration when selecting the right outsourcing partner and understanding how that partner delivers against your requirements. That’s why PP C&A introduced the 3D process. It clearly defines the whole journey into three specific stages: Discovery, Decision, Delivery.

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This collection of case studies examines some of the recent strategic outsourcing partnerships delivering against several business pains for machine builders and OEMs. This guide collects case studies published during 2021.

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This guide highlights key technical supplier relationships covering a broad set of categories, from industrial design support and access to academia, and automation and legislation partnerships, to packing and shipping finished goods, all designed to add sought after value to customers.

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