A Family Business Forging the Future of Sustainable Manufacturing
By Prudence Baker, Marketing Manager, Moduflex
When I stepped into Moduflex’s steel factory in Bristol, it wasn’t just the hum of machines or the gleam of precision technology that struck me—it was the sense of heritage and purpose infused into every corner of space. This is no ordinary manufacturing plant. Specialising in bespoke storage solutions and custom steel fabrications, Moduflex is a family business where innovation and tradition meet, guided by Richard Blunden, the managing director, who proudly took over the reins from his father, Anthony.
Richard’s vision for Moduflex is one of bold innovation and environmental responsibility, and the company’s recent strides reflect this perfectly. “We’ve always believed in doing things better—not just for our customers but for the world we’re building,” he told me as he showed me around the facility.
In an industry where tradition often outweighs change, Moduflex stands out. The factory floor is home to cutting-edge machinery designed to transform steel fabrication with sustainability at its core. These machines aren’t just tools; they’re symbols of progress:
Salvagnini Panel Bender: This state-of-the-art machine automates steel bending with remarkable efficiency, reducing material waste by 20% and delivering a level of precision that manual methods can’t match.
Flexible Laser Welders: These machines create deeper, stronger welds while using less energy and producing cleaner results—a win for both the environment and Moduflex’s eco-conscious customers.
Amada AE2510 + SheetCat: Fully electric and powered by solar energy, this machine streamlines the production process, improving efficiency while reducing the factory’s carbon footprint.
Richard explained that these investments were driven by the need to keep up with customer demand while staying true to the company’s values. “We’re proud to be a family business, but being small doesn’t mean staying stuck in the past. It means we can adapt faster, innovate smarter, and set the pace for others,” he said.
Much like the steel industry at large, Moduflex is navigating a seismic shift toward sustainability. Richard draws parallels between their efforts and the broader move in the UK from traditional blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces—a transition that has been vital in reducing emissions across the steel sector.
At Moduflex, these principles take the form of tangible actions: sourcing raw steel domestically with 80% recycled content, powering the factory with solar energy, and even implementing “lights-out” manufacturing, where machines operate autonomously overnight to save on energy.
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- 30% improvement in production speed, thanks to automation.
- 20% reduction in material waste, cutting costs and conserving resources.
- 50% drop in energy costs achieved by renewable energy integration.
“It’s about more than profits,” Richard said. “It’s about creating something lasting—for our customers, our community, and the planet.”
Moduflex’s family roots give it a unique edge. This is a business where decisions are personal, and every milestone carries the weight of legacy. When Richard talks about the company’s achievements, it’s not just about hitting targets— “It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come,” he said, standing in front of the Salvagnini machine. “But this is just the beginning. We want to keep pushing boundaries, whether that’s with new technology, sustainable practices, or partnerships with local businesses.”
Moduflex’s story raises important questions for all of us: How can businesses of any size adopt sustainable practices? What role does local manufacturing play in creating a resilient economy? And how can communities support companies like Moduflex that are striving to make a difference?
As Richard points out: “We’re part of something bigger—a movement toward innovation and sustainability in the UK. It’s not just about what we make, but how we make it.”
For local businesses looking to collaborate, Moduflex is open to partnerships that align with their values. Whether it’s sharing expertise, exploring new projects, or building a network of sustainable manufacturers, there’s an opportunity for everyone.
What steps can your business take toward sustainability?
Share your thoughts and ideas with Moduflex or join the evolving conversation with SevernNet.
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Want to learn more? Visit www.moduflex.co.uk
Browse Moduflex Brochure here https://www.moduflex.co.uk/brochure-download
See more case studies here https://www.moduflex.co.uk/all-case-studies
Contact Details:
Tel: 01179 822882
Email: info@moduflex.co.uk
This case study was written by Prudence Baker, Marketing Manager at Moduflex with insights from Richard Blunden, Managing Director.