4 min read • published in partnership with PP C&A
New UK manufacturing alliance tackles critical supply chain crisis in defence and medical sectors
Critical infrastructure projects across the UK’s defence and medical sectors are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten both national security and healthcare delivery. Medical device manufacturers report supply chain costs now representing up to 20% of revenue – an increase of 2-3 percentage points since 2022, whilst 69% of UK firms have shifted to more local sourcing in 2024 due to ongoing disruptions (1).
In response to these systemic challenges, three established Midlands-based manufacturing specialists have formed VORS (Versatile Outsourcing in Resilient Systems) to provide the integrated capabilities these critical sectors desperately need.
Industry under pressure
Medical device manufacturers are “battling over a three-year supply chain crisis, including raw material shortages and product delays” with contract manufacturers prioritising larger customers, leaving smaller OEMs facing potential backorder issues (1). Nearly half of medical device manufacturers now cite lead times as their primary supply chain challenge, according to a recent industry survey.
Meanwhile, the UK Government’s 2024 Critical Imports and Supply Chain Strategy identifies “upskilling workers as a critical national requirement” with defence supply chains constrained by shortages in critical industrial skills.
A market-driven response
VORS combines the complementary expertise of PP Control & Automation (strategic outsourcing in machine and system build production), ByteSnap Design (embedded systems electronics and software development), and Kasdon (contract electronics manufacturing) to deliver end-to-end capability from concept through production.
Significant investment in automation and quality accreditations (including ISO 13485) across the businesses places the collaboration in a perfect position to deliver products that perform flawlessly in defence and safety-critical or life-dependent applications.
PP C&A’s Richard Spears, one of the driving forces in the initiative, commented: “We recognise that these sectors demand a specific capability set and product and system development that is highly regulated.
“Both Kasdon and ByteSnap have significant track records in this field and complementary electronics and design expertise that would help us, as a manufacturing outsourcing partner, deliver the complete lifecycle for new clients.”
“Resilient systems is a fitting term to use for articulating the demands on products developed by OEMs in these markets,” added Steve Stockley, Managing Director of Kasdon.
“In all four sectors, systems are deployed in high-stakes, often harsh or unpredictable environments. They must withstand real-world stress. They demand long lifecycle performance, need robust supply chain security, and have high regulatory and safety expectations – this is VORS in a nutshell you could say.”
Supporting government initiatives and addressing real market need
The MOD’s SME Action Plan commits to “enabling cutting-edge and innovative suppliers to see defence as a priority market” with a target of 25% procurement spend going to SMEs (2). VORS is positioned to support this objective whilst addressing the capability gaps that prevent smaller suppliers from engaging effectively.
Medical device manufacturers are “reassessing their geographic footprint and resourcing production” whilst qualifying “additional suppliers to ensure a more resilient supply chain” due to the ongoing disruptions (1). VORS provides exactly this diversification option for OEMs seeking to reduce single-source dependencies.
The alliance comes as the government announces “an additional £2.2 billion allocated to the Ministry of Defence” as part of plans to reach 2.5% of GDP defence spending (3), creating new opportunities for suppliers who can demonstrate integrated capability.
Proven track record
Collectively, the three companies bring significant experience to critical sectors:
• Extensive experience designing to ISO 13485 standards for medical device customers
• Established defence industry credentials across multiple programmes
• Combined annual revenues exceeding £45m
• Employment of over 280 specialist engineers, technicians, and support staff
A look ahead
Rather than simply capitalising on increased spending, VORS addresses the structural challenges that have constrained these vital sectors. By providing true end-to-end capability with shared accountability, the alliance offers both government and industry customers a path to more resilient, efficient project delivery.
ByteSnap Design’s Dunstan Power, Director, concluded: “The data from our 2025 manufacturing research is stark; 88% of companies face obsolescence issues annually, but the expertise to solve them simply isn’t accessible. VORS exists because we’ve documented these problems firsthand and built the integrated response the market needs.
“Several sector initiatives and directives are now focusing on closer working relationships with SMEs. For example, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has committed to enhancing engagements through its Defence Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Action Plan.
“This plan aims to simplify procurement processes, improve access to opportunities, and increase the MOD’s procurement spend with SMEs. The MedTech Funding Mandate (MTFM) is something similar for the medical sector and focuses on the uptake of selected innovative medical devices, diagnostics, and digital products by the NHS.
“VORS is perfect for both initiatives and close engagement will form part of our action plan. I’m really pleased that three Midlands-based specialists have come together to harness these opportunities. And we look forward to creating new employment in our region.”
About the VORS partners
PP Control & Automation is a strategic manufacturing outsourcing partner specialising in module and assembly-based solutions for complex technical applications. With engineering and production capabilities spanning electrical control and automation, electronics assembly and box build, pneumatics and hydraulics, mechanical design and assembly, vacuum chambers, gas management systems, and cable harnesses, the company provides comprehensive manufacturing services. PP C&A works with clients across sectors where quality and reliable delivery is paramount.
ByteSnap Design is an award-winning UK-based electronics design consultancy specialising in custom embedded systems, electronic design, and software development. Established in 2008 and headquartered in Birmingham, ByteSnap offers end-to-end product development services including PCB design, embedded Linux and firmware development, ATEX design, FPGA implementation, and user interface solutions. With a team of over 40 specialists, the company has successfully delivered hundreds of projects across several verticals and applications, including industrial automation, medical, energy management, defence, security and IoT.
Kasdon Electronics is a leading UK contract electronics manufacturer with over 25 years of experience in high-reliability PCB assembly and turnkey solutions. Operating from a state-of-the-art 20,000 sq. ft facility in Willenhall, West Midlands, the company specialises in surface mount and through-hole assembly for defence, medical, and industrial applications. Kasdon provides comprehensive services, including supply chain management, advanced inspection and testing, and full turnkey manufacturing solutions. The company’s expertise in regulated industries and commitment to quality has established long-term partnerships with OEMs requiring mission-critical reliability.
The VORS website officially launched this week and can be found here.
