IM Export Services, a leading manufacturer of bespoke timber cases, crates and pallets used across the engineering, manufacturing, aerospace and defence sectors, has successfully doubled its daily manufacturing capacity after working with experts from Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) through the University of Warwick’s Innovation Lighthouse programme, funded by Bromsgrove and Redditch Council.
Recognising the need to improve workshop efficiency and support growing customer demand, the Redditch-based company worked closely with WMG to review its manufacturing processes and identify new opportunities to improve workshop and warehouse productivity. Following several site visits, the Innovation Lighthouse team recommended a series of practical improvements, which included redesigning the workshop layout and replacing the older workstations with modern benches.
By implementing these recommendations, IM Export Services has transformed its workshop with eleven new workbenches, creating dedicated workspaces for each team member, giving the company capacity to build up to twice as many timber cases and crates each day for customers across the UK. The new layout is expected to streamline movement across the workshop, reduce risks associated with using power tools and increase productivity, giving each team member a dedicated workstation.
Dr Federico Melotti, principal engineer in WMG’s SME Group said: “It has been a pleasure to work with IM Export Services. They are a strong and ambitious business with a clear focus on productivity, quality and customer service. This project shows how targeted operational improvements can make a real difference for an SME manufacturer. By working closely with the team, we identified practical changes to the workshop layout and workflow that will support greater efficiency, productivity and future growth.”
The Innovation Lighthouse programme is designed to support SME manufacturers improve their productivity, and develop new products and processes, guiding them from initial concept through to implementation. By participating in the programme, IM Export Services will receive support and guidance to help deliver its project, as well as match-funded grants to assist with the delivery of the project.
IM Export Services has been providing export packing and timber packaging solutions for more than 20 years. The company serves customers across the engineering, manufacturing, aerospace and defence sectors, offering export packing, on-site packing and ISPM-15 certified packaging to help businesses transport cargo safely by road, sea and air.
As demand for its services continues to increase, IM Export Services plans to roll out further operational improvements throughout 2026 as part of its long-term workshop modernisation strategy.
Pic: courtesy of IM Export Services
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