Octo Cargo Group
Flying the flag for manufacturing
Gavin Miller, MD of Octo Cargo Group in Strathaven, rejoices in a small number of companies he sees around him who generate money by making things.“My impression is that, as a nation, we have lost much of our capability and creativity in designing and manufacturing. Those who are active in these areas tend to offer world-class design and production but often operate in niche fields.”
The same could be said of Octo, which manufactures products using industrial textiles; initially strap systems and tarpaulins for the haulage and logistics industries. The move to South Lanarkshire from Falkirk in 2023 however, heralded a step up and diversification for Octo, with new machinery opening up additional markets.
Gavin says, “Many of our orders are bespoke, short runs, so manufacturing in bulk abroad is impractical. When we were looking to move here, a £20k grant from South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) facilitated the purchase of critical machinery to expand and take the business forwards. It allowed us to offer goods more cost-effectively and to take on more employees in the process.”
The process was not all plain sailing however. Negotiating grants is time-consuming and Gavin praises the Economic Development Team at SLC, who helped Octo navigate complex processes.
Finding people willing and able to fulfil manufacturing roles or, as Gavin puts it, “To sit in front of an industrial sewing machine and take real pride in what they create” has also proved challenging.
SLC’s Economic Development Team therefore put Octo in touch with Skills Development Scotland and Gavin says the ultimate aim is to work with them to develop a degree programme.
“Ours is a very specific industry but nationally and more generally, we let our knowledge and ability in manufacturing slide at our peril. We work with a company in Eastbourne, for example, to produce metal fixings. Together, we design and create solutions, working to really high standards. This is not always the case for buyers forced to source goods from overseas.
“I would love to see the pendulum swing back a little, to more of the things we use every day being manufactured within the UK. We seem to have fallen out of love with manufacturing and the huge range of potential careers it offers.
“There can be great opportunities and camaraderie in manufacturing and we’re doing our best at Octo, not only to produce great products, for which there is a significant and growing market, but to fly the flag for capability and creativity in manufacturing locally too.”
This was echoed by a spokesperson for the SLC’s Economic Development Team, who adds, “Octo Cargo and others are key to realising our ambitions in the bespoke manufacturing arena. It’s great to see the pace picking up in this area and making the most of the skills and workforce on our doorstep”.
Octo Cargo Group is based in Strathaven. It specialises in the manufacture of industrial, transport and Leisure products. Octo Manufacturing produces a wide selection of equipment using high-frequency welders, pattern sewing machines, industrial sewing machines and finishing equipment.
