Founded in 1957, L S Manufacturing has evolved into a multi-brand operation, including L S Embroidery, L S International, and John Partridge & Co. The company remains committed to British craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation, with a five-year growth forecast supported by strong client relationships and increasing demand for UK-made garments.
L S Manufacturing UK Ltd, a Wolverhampton-based manufacturer of high-end outerwear and textile products, has significantly enhanced its operational efficiency through the acquisition of a state-of-the-art CNC cutting machine. This investment, supported by the UKSPF West Midlands SME Grant Programme and delivered by the City of Wolverhampton Council, has already led to measurable improvements in productivity, job creation, and market competitiveness. The company is now better positioned to support its prestigious client base, including Barbour, Fred Perry, and the NHS, while expanding into new international markets.
L S Manufacturing faced increasing operational costs, global competition from low-cost manufacturers, and limitations in production capacity. These challenges hindered the company’s ability to scale operations and meet growing demand from its high-end clients. The need for greater efficiency and precision in the cutting process was identified as a critical bottleneck, prompting the search for a technological solution.
With guidance from the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Business Growth Team, L S Manufacturing applied for and secured a UKSPF SME grant. The funding enabled the purchase of a bespoke CNC cutting machine, manufactured in Turkey and integrated with European software. The machine was selected for its compatibility with existing systems and its ability to drastically reduce cutting times, from two hours to just 20–30 minutes. The company allocated £98,550 from its working capital to fund the purchase upfront, ensuring smooth procurement and installation.
Daljit Mehat, Director, L S Manufacturing UK Ltd quoted “The successful acquisition of the CNC machine made possible through the UKSPF West Midland SME Grant Programme delivered by the Wolverhampton City Council, has already resulted in a substantial uplift in our operational efficiency and productivity. This strategic investment empowers us to expand our manufacturing capacity, enabling us to better support our existing clients while attracting new opportunities. In doing so, we continue to champion British manufacturing, driving innovation and growth right here in the West Midlands.”
The investment has led to 10 new production roles, resulted in enhanced precision and reduced material waste. The company anticipate a 10% increase in turnover in the first year, and have plans to enter Pacific markets, including Japan and China.