Subcontracting is the practice of hiring a third party to carry out specific tasks or services as part of a larger project or manufacturing process. It enables companies to streamline operations, reduce overheads, and tap into specialist skills that may not be available in-house. FDMS offers a comprehensive range of subcontracting services for clients across North Wales, including Wrexham, Rhyl, Llandudno, Bangor, Caernarfon, and surrounding areas. Whether you're a local manufacturer looking to expand your production capabilities or a national business seeking dependable regional support, our North Wales subcontracting team is ready to assist.
1. Subcontract Combination Punch-Laser Services Our combination punch-laser subcontracting services offer the best of both worlds. By integrating the precision of laser cutting with the speed and efficiency of CNC punching, we deliver unmatched flexibility and quality. This service is ideal for creating complex parts with multiple features, including contours, slots, and formed areas. The combination machine reduces set-up time and eliminates the need for secondary processes, making it perfect for both prototype runs and full-scale production. At FDMS, we work with various materials including stainless steel, aluminium, and mild steel, ensuring tight tolerances and repeatable results. Our investment in cutting-edge machinery allows us to provide subcontracting solutions that meet your specific requirements and timelines. Whether you need parts with minimal burrs, intricate detailing, or components ready for assembly, our combination punch-laser service ensures high productivity with reduced waste and cost.
2. Subcontract Press Brake Solutions Our press brake subcontracting services are designed to deliver accurate and repeatable bending results. FDMS uses CNC-controlled press brakes to bend sheet metal components to precise angles and radii, based on your engineering specifications. We accommodate various thicknesses and material types, making this service suitable for a wide array of industries including construction, automotive, and electronics. The efficiency of our press brake machines, combined with our skilled operators, ensures that you receive high-quality parts on time and within budget. From simple brackets to complex enclosures, our press brake subcontracting solutions offer consistency, strength, and quality. Additionally, we provide prototyping support and design consultations to improve manufacturability. Based in North Wales, we serve businesses across the region, ensuring reliable and responsive support that scales with your needs.
3. Subcontract Welding Services (MIG, TIG & Spot Welding) FDMS offers professional welding subcontracting services, including MIG, TIG, and spot welding. Our experienced welding team can handle a variety of metals, from stainless steel and mild steel to aluminium alloys. Whether it’s a structural weld for strength or a cosmetic weld for aesthetic appeal, we ensure strong, clean, and consistent results. MIG welding is ideal for thicker materials and high-speed applications, while TIG welding is used for intricate and high-precision tasks. Spot welding, on the other hand, is perfect for joining sheet metal quickly and efficiently. Our facility in North Wales is fully equipped with advanced welding stations that comply with strict safety and quality standards. We offer inspection and testing services to guarantee the integrity of every weld. These subcontracting services are ideal for industries such as aerospace, defence, automotive, and commercial product manufacturing. With a focus on quality, reliability, and turnaround speed, FDMS is your go-to subcontractor for welding in North Wales.
4. Subcontract Powder Coating Services Powder coating is a durable and environmentally friendly finishing process that enhances the appearance and performance of metal parts. At FDMS, our powder coating subcontracting services offer both manual and semi-automated options, giving our clients flexibility in finish type and volume. We use premium-grade powders available in a wide range of colours and textures to suit your aesthetic and functional requirements. Whether you’re coating furniture frames, control panels, signage, or enclosures, our process ensures a uniform, resilient finish that resists chipping, scratching, and corrosion. Our North Wales facility includes curing ovens and controlled booths, enabling us to handle both small batches and large production runs efficiently. Subcontracting your powder coating needs to FDMS means benefiting from rapid turnaround times, consistent finishes, and technical support throughout your project. We also offer masking and pre-treatment services to ensure optimal adhesion and durability, giving you a complete finishing solution under one roof.
5. Subcontract Laser Etching Services FDMS provides precision laser etching subcontracting services that enable you to mark components with logos, serial numbers, instructions, or decorative designs. Using state-of-the-art fibre laser technology, we etch materials like stainless steel, anodised aluminium, plastics, and more with exceptional accuracy and repeatability. Laser etching is a non-contact, low-wear process that produces permanent markings without compromising the structural integrity of the part. This makes it ideal for industries such as medical devices, electronics, aerospace, and branding. We can process large volumes efficiently and also offer one-off custom etching for prototypes or bespoke projects. Located in North Wales, FDMS offers flexible subcontracting solutions with fast turnaround times and competitive pricing. Our in-house team can help with design layouts and file preparation to ensure every etched component meets your branding and functional requirements.
6. Value Engineering for Subcontracting Projects Value engineering is a core aspect of our subcontracting offering. At FDMS, we work closely with clients to analyse their products and manufacturing processes, identifying areas where costs can be reduced without compromising performance or quality. Our value engineering subcontracting services involve a systematic approach to redesign, material selection, process improvement, and automation. This is particularly useful for businesses aiming to scale production or introduce new product lines. We provide detailed assessments and feasibility studies to determine the best course of action, drawing from our extensive experience in engineering and fabrication. By subcontracting this phase to FDMS, you benefit from fresh perspectives, enhanced functionality, and reduced total cost of ownership. Our North Wales location allows us to partner with businesses locally and across the UK, offering proactive, practical, and tailored engineering support.
7. Problem Solving in Subcontracting Manufacturing Manufacturing often presents unexpected challenges—from supply chain disruptions to part inconsistencies. FDMS offers problem-solving subcontracting services to help businesses overcome such issues efficiently. Our team of engineers and production experts can step in to address bottlenecks, quality problems, or design limitations. Whether you need emergency support to meet a tight deadline or long-term assistance to improve production flow, we offer flexible subcontracting solutions to suit your goals. We employ root cause analysis, rapid prototyping, and lean manufacturing principles to develop effective solutions. Being based in North Wales allows us to provide responsive on-site assessments when needed, particularly in areas like Colwyn Bay, Holyhead, and Mold. With FDMS as your subcontracting partner, you gain access to a problem-solving mindset, technical expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
8. Subcontract Sheet Metal Work FDMS offers expert subcontract sheet metal work for clients across North Wales, providing precise and cost-effective solutions for a wide variety of applications. Our team is highly skilled in working with different types and thicknesses of metals including aluminium, stainless steel, and mild steel. We utilise advanced machinery such as CNC laser cutters, press brakes, and punching tools to produce components that meet exact specifications. Whether you require flat panels, complex formed shapes, enclosures, brackets, or intricate cut-outs, we can deliver high-quality results with tight tolerances.
Our sheet metal work services include cutting, bending, forming, deburring, welding, assembly, and finishing—all managed in-house for streamlined production and quality assurance. We also offer design support to optimise your parts for manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With the capability to handle both prototype batches and large production runs, our facility is geared for flexibility without compromising speed or accuracy. FDMS is committed to delivering sheet metal subcontracting with fast turnaround, full traceability, and consistent quality. Serving industrial, commercial, and public sector clients in areas such as Holyhead, Colwyn Bay, and Mold, we ensure responsive local service with national-level expertise. When precision and reliability matter, FDMS is your trusted partner for subcontract sheet metal work in North Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the benefits of subcontracting in manufacturing?
Subcontracting in manufacturing provides numerous advantages for businesses of all sizes. One of the key benefits is cost reduction, as subcontracting eliminates the need for purchasing expensive machinery or hiring specialised in-house staff. This is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to remain competitive without significant capital investment. Subcontracting also allows businesses to scale operations quickly and flexibly, adjusting production volumes as demand changes.
Another advantage is access to expert skills and advanced technologies. FDMS, for example, offers CNC machining, laser cutting, welding, and powder coating—all carried out by trained professionals using state-of-the-art equipment. This level of expertise ensures high-quality results and improved product consistency. Additionally, subcontracting helps to reduce lead times, especially when working with local providers in North Wales, improving overall project turnaround.
Subcontracting also enables companies to focus on their core competencies, such as design, marketing, and customer service, while the manufacturing is handled externally. Finally, subcontracting can enhance innovation, as external partners often bring fresh ideas and alternative approaches to solving production challenges. Overall, subcontracting is a strategic move that enhances efficiency, quality, and competitiveness.
2. How do I choose the right subcontractor in North Wales?
Choosing the right subcontractor in North Wales involves evaluating several key factors to ensure your manufacturing needs are met effectively. First, assess the subcontractor's capabilities and services. Do they offer the specific processes you require, such as laser cutting, welding, or powder coating? At FDMS, we provide a wide range of subcontracting services, all delivered with precision and consistency.
Second, consider the subcontractor’s experience and track record. Ask for case studies, client testimonials, and examples of previous work to assess their quality and reliability. FDMS has years of experience serving businesses across North Wales, with a reputation for delivering on time and to spec. Third, review their facility and technology. A subcontractor with modern equipment and skilled technicians is more likely to produce accurate, high-quality components. Visit the premises if possible to observe their workflow and quality control measures.
Additionally, look at their flexibility and communication. Can they adapt to changes in your project scope or timeline? Do they offer clear, responsive communication? A reliable subcontractor will be transparent, proactive, and collaborative throughout the partnership. Lastly, consider location. Working with a North Wales-based subcontractor like FDMS can reduce transportation costs and lead times while ensuring easier coordination. Choosing the right subcontractor ultimately means finding a partner that aligns with your quality standards, timeline, and business values.
3. What industries benefit most from subcontracting services?
A wide range of industries benefit from subcontracting services, particularly those that rely on precision manufacturing, rapid scaling, or specialised processes. One of the most prominent sectors is the automotive industry, where components must meet strict tolerances and be produced in large volumes. Subcontractors like FDMS support automotive manufacturers with laser-cut parts, welded frames, and powder-coated components.
The aerospace and defence industries also benefit significantly. These sectors demand rigorous quality control and documentation, and subcontractors help meet these standards while keeping costs manageable. Similarly, the construction sector often relies on subcontractors for metalwork, cladding, and fabricated structures.
Consumer goods and electronics manufacturers benefit from services such as CNC machining, laser etching, and assembly. These industries require flexibility, fast turnaround, and quality assurance—key strengths of experienced subcontractors. The medical sector is another major user, especially for device components that need to meet hygiene and durability standards.
Additionally, renewable energy, marine, and agricultural industries frequently subcontract tasks like enclosure fabrication, mounting systems, and protective coatings. In North Wales, businesses across these sectors turn to FDMS for reliable subcontracting support. Ultimately, any industry looking to boost efficiency, reduce production costs, and access specialist expertise can benefit from subcontracting services.
4. How much do subcontracting services typically cost?
Subcontracting costs vary widely depending on the type of service, complexity of the job, volume, material used, and turnaround time. For instance, laser cutting or press brake services are often priced per unit or per hour, while powder coating may be priced based on surface area or part size. Welding and assembly jobs can include time, labour, and consumables. At FDMS, we offer transparent pricing and detailed quotations so clients can budget accordingly. We also work with businesses of all sizes and tailor our quotes based on production volumes and technical requirements.
Choosing subcontracting can significantly reduce your total cost of production by eliminating capital equipment investments and lowering labour costs. For North Wales businesses, FDMS provides local service that minimises shipping and logistics expenses too. While each job is different, we are happy to provide upfront estimates and help you compare in-house vs. subcontracted costs. Our goal is to deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or lead times.
5. Can FDMS handle both small batch and large volume subcontracting?
Yes, FDMS is equipped to handle both small batch and large volume subcontracting projects. We understand that not every business has the same needs, which is why our flexible operations accommodate one-off prototypes, medium production runs, and high-volume manufacturing alike.
Our advanced equipment, including CNC laser cutting, automated powder coating lines, and multiple welding stations, allows us to scale up without sacrificing quality or turnaround time. For small batch orders, we offer fast prototyping and design consultations to help refine your product. For larger runs, our production planning and quality assurance systems ensure repeatability, efficiency, and consistent output.
Being based in North Wales allows us to serve a wide variety of local and regional businesses, offering quick turnaround times and responsive customer service. Whether you are looking to trial a new design or outsource your entire production line, FDMS can deliver subcontracting services tailored to your scale and budget.