Manufacturing
In its broadest form, manufacturing covers everything humans create. In engineering terms manufacturing is the creation of products that perform a function. The UK historically led the modernisation of manufacturing through the industrial revolution through late 1700’s and early 1800’s, transforming handcrafting to industrial machine manufacturing.
Today’s global manufacturing landscape embraces and in many cases drives the digital technologies generating virtual and automated manufacture in many commercial sectors. The ongoing evolution of materials and processing science feeds change and opportunities in modern manufacturing.
The UK manufacturing sector is still amongst the most innovative and competitive global players. Innovative design and creative capability are at the centre of this thriving industry.
Manufacturing News
Manufacturing News – Late May 2026
Yorkshire’s manufacturing sector is in the middle of a structural reset rather than a cyclical shift. Across textiles, engineering and advanced robotics, businesses are continuing to invest heavily in automation, data systems and materials innovation at scale. However, that transformation is taking place within an operating environment increasingly shaped by rising energy costs, persistent skills…
Dacecrown – Custom change parts for a bespoke glass container format
Dacecrown recently completed a full set of custom change parts for a leading UK food manufacturer, supporting a capping line running a bespoke glass container format. The jar featured a distinctive oval profile with an integrated thumb-grip design, creating a more complex handling requirement than a standard round container. This made the project technically challenging,…
Manufacturing News – Early 2026
The UK manufacturing sector made a positive start to the second quarter of the year, with the trends in output, new orders and employment all showing signs of improvement. Supply chain and price pressures continued to grow, however, as disruptions, delays and the war in the Middle East were felt across the sector. The seasonally…
EFFICIENT DIE CHANGING AND CLAMPING FOR TRIMMING LARGE CASTINGS
Located in the German municipality of Moemlingen, Aulbach Automation abk Pressenbau is a market leader in the manufacture of presses for trimming large castings. For more than a decade, it has relied on powered die changing systems, ball and roller bars, and die clamping elements from Roemheld in Laubach, Germany, whose UK subsidiary in Cramlington…
Manufacturing News – Late April 2026
Global supply chains are facing an unprecedented period of sustained disruption, with new data revealing record levels of concern among procurement and supply chain professionals as geopolitical instability and rising costs reshape the outlook for manufacturers. The latest quarterly survey from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) shows short-term supply chain anxiety has…
Making More Money with Production Control Software
Making high-quality components is what you do best as a subcontract precision engineer – but how do you know if you’re making a profit on every job? In a recent technical discussion, Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack, joined Tom Skubala of MTDCNC to explain how PSL Datatrack’s Financial modules help subcontractors improve cash…
3D Edge Break Measurement from Optimax
Edge breaking involves rounding or chamfering sharp corners to enhance part longevity, ensure aerodynamic performance, and improve safety. Despite its importance, traditional inspection methods struggle to provide the precision required for modern manufacturing. Visual inspection using optical comparators remains inherently subjective and fails to produce quantifiable data, as results vary based on lighting and inspector…
Automation For Everyone – RARUK Automation
RARUK Automation is a trusted automation distributor, specialising in cutting-edge technologies that are designed to enhance productivity and efficiency across all industries. As one of the first Universal Robots distributors in the world outside of Denmark, RARUK Automation has a unique expertise in collaborative automation. Working with a broad range of UK businesses, RARUK Automation…
SGH Moulds Strengthens Commercial Capability with Strategic Appointment
New National Account Director to support growth across medical, technical, and high-value industrial sectors SGH Moulds has announced the appointment of Justin Evans as National Account Director, further strengthening its commercial leadership team as the business continues to expand across key UK and international markets. Justin brings over 20 years of experience across advanced manufacturing,…
Conquer Your Ultrasonic Cleaning Challenges with Kemet’s Touch of ‘Genius’
Kemet International, a renowned manufacturer and distributor of surface finishing and cleaning technologies, has once again set a new standard in the industry with the release of its new Versa Genius+ cleaning system. This modular, compact, and smart system is an upgrade to the successful Versa+ range and comes with ground-breaking features that ensure maximum…
Manufacturing News – Early April 2026
Hundreds of manufacturers across Yorkshire should be able to accelerate their digital transformation after the government confirmed £2.4m worth of new funding for the “Made Smarter” programme from April. The continuation of the programme unlocks a fresh phase of support for SME manufacturers, combining expert advice, leadership training and digital skills with match-funded grants of…
Precision powder coating quality control: INTRICOAT’s testing and inspection process.
INTRICOAT’s powder coating quality control overview This article provides insights into structured testing and quality control processes behind INTRICOAT’s precision powder coating process. The processes include a detailed overview of internal control systems, batch quality checks, individual part inspections, and advanced testing procedures, all designed to deliver consistent and precise powder coating performance required in…
Manufacturing News – Late March 2026
New Innovation Report says the UK is losing industrial competitiveness. The UK is one of the world’s leading innovation economies. It ranks fourth globally for scientific publications (behind only China, the US, and India) and sits among the top countries for high impact research and patents in critical technologies. It has also built one of…
Tebis Transforms Machining Safety and Efficiency at Stour Precision Tools Ltd
Founded in 1966 Stour Precision Tools Ltd has developed into a market leading supplier of robust and reliable tooling solutions. Designing and manufacturing at their facilities in Droitwich, Worcestershire, they specialise in conformance work holding fabrication fixtures for manual and robotic welding, end of arm tooling for robotic handling solutions, positioning manipulators for manual and…
PSL DATATRACK IS A “GODSEND” FOR NEWTECH HIGH SPEED TURNING
After years of juggling spreadsheets, manual administration and constant pressure on the shop floor, Newtech High Speed Turning Limited found the clarity, control and confidence they had been searching for when they adopted PSL Datatrack – and Owner Alan Riley describes the change as nothing short of a “godsend.” Founded in 2003 and based in…
Why Remanufacturing Demands a Different Approach
Why conventional cleaning systems are holding back one of manufacturing’s fastest-growing sectors The remanufacturing industry has reached an inflection point. As circular economy principles gain momentum and cost pressures intensify across manufacturing sectors, remanufactured components are no longer a niche alternative, they are becoming mainstream. Yet many facilities are still trying to process these heavily…
Steel Industry News – Early March 2026
The government spent £377m in nine months to keep British Steel’s Scunthorpe site operating, according to a report. The National Audit Office (NAO) said ongoing operations were costing the department of Business and Trade (DBT) about £1.3m a day, with no set budget, repayment schedule or end date. The government stepped in to prevent the…
Manufacturing News – Early March 2026
Britain’s manufacturers are urging the Government to be far bolder on the pace of skills reforms or, risk the future success of the Industrial Strategy being left on the starting grid according to a major report released by Make UK today on the Shape of British Industry. The report looks at the current landscape for British manufacturers…
Quality Control Software: Why It’s Essential for ISO 9001 Compliance
Maintaining consistent product quality is a critical requirement in subcontract precision engineering. For subcontractors aiming to achieve or maintain ISO 9001 certification, investing in effective quality control software isn’t optional – it’s essential. Read on to find out why. What is ISO 9001 and Why Does It Matter? ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised quality…
Manufacturing News – Late February 2026
A long-established industrial manufacturer is facing an uncertain future after filing a notice of intention to appoint administrators, TheBusinessDesk.com understands. Swift and Whitmore has lodged the notice through law firm Addleshaw Goddard, triggering a short period of protection from creditor action while options are explored. Founded in 1968, the Dudley-based business has grown to become…
CONTRACT MANUFACTURING COMPANY ENTERS F1 AND SECURES FUTURE GROWTH
Design and contract manufacturing firm ActionPlas Group, Pudsey, which specialises in machining and fabricating mainly plastic but also metal components and assemblies for a wide variety of industries including automotive, food and drink, pharmaceutical and power generation, has upgraded its quality control department with the purchase of an Altera M 20.12.10 coordinate measuring machine (CMM),…
JOTA ADVANCED ENGINEERING’S REMARKABLE GROWTH DRIVEN BY PSL DATATRACK AND AVISO CONSULTANCY
From humble beginnings, with four CNC machines and a handful of spreadsheets, Jota Advanced Engineering Limited has transformed into a high-performing precision engineering business with 17 CNC machines and ambitions for even greater growth. Central to this remarkable journey has been the partnership with PSL Datatrack, providers of modular production control software for subcontract precision…
Optimax Expands Technical Sales Team
Optimax is proud to announce that Sean Sheridan has joined the team as Technical Sales Manager for the East of England. He will be delivering cutting-edge technical solutions for inspection, imaging, and measurement applications. He is an Aeronautical Engineering graduate from Loughborough with a strong technical foundation and commercial mindset. He will be able to…
From Delays To Efficiency: Transform Your Purchasing Process With PSL Datatrack
Raising purchase orders shouldn’t be a time-consuming task – but for many subcontract precision engineers, it’s exactly that. And when it’s done manually, it’s all too easy to end up with errors, delays, or worse still – missing traceability. In a recent technical discussion with MTDCNC’s Tom Skubala, Geoff Gartland, Managing Director of PSL Datatrack,…
Precision Without Compromise: Starrett Redefines Orthopaedic Implant Inspection with the HDV Digital Video Series from Optimax.
The global demand for orthopaedic surgery continues to climb as does the requirement for accurate and rapid and rigorous quality inspection. When a manufacturer produces hip stems, femoral heads, bone screws, and knee trays the challenge is to measure complex, organic geometries on mirror-polished surfaces without the risk of contact-related damage. The Starrett HDV Series…
Manufacturing News – Early February 2026
The subcontract manufacturing market in the UK enjoyed a robust year in 2025, with activity rising by 47% compared to 2024, as revealed by the latest figures from the Contract Manufacturing Index (CMI). The automotive industry led the way, making up almost a third of market demand, and played a pivotal role in sustaining growth—this,…
Gradient Lens Corporation Eliminates “Cool-Down Guesswork” with New Hawkeye® XPlor Video Borescope
Integrated thermal sensing allows technicians to inspect “hot sections” sooner, reducing downtime without risking CMOS sensor failure. Gradient Lens Corporation has launched the Hawkeye® XPlor, a video borescope designed to solve a common headache in Remote Visual Inspection (RVI): sensor failure caused by extreme heat. Turbine engines, turboprops, and industrial gearboxes retain immense heat long…
Manufacturing News – Late January 2026
Bodycote, the Macclesfield-based provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services, has acquired Spectrum Thermal Processing, an Aerospace and Defence focused heat treatment provider based in Cranston, Rhode Island, for a cash consideration of approximately $8m. In a statement to the stock market this morning (16 January 2026) the company said the acquisition increases…
Discover the 14 versatile models of Hawkeye® precision borescopes at Optimax
In the world of remote visual inspection one size product never fits all. Whether you are inspecting a microscopic medical stent, a complex aerospace turbine or a heavy duty casting the requirement for clarity durability and accessibility is paramount. Optimax imaging and inspection is proud to offer the complete Hawkeye® range Hawkeye range of borescopes.…
Manufacturing News – Early January 2026
US power systems group Cummins is to invest around £39m in its Daventry manufacturing plant, reinforcing the UK’s role in supplying backup power for critical infrastructure worldwide. The investment forms part of a wider previously announced $200m (£156m) global programme and was unveiled at the UK Government’s Regional Investment Summit. Cummins said the funding underlines…
The Perfect Handshake: Optimax Bridges the Gap Between Cobots and Metrology
The technical synchronisation between a cobot and a Metrology system relies on a robust communication protocol, referred to as the “handshake”, This ensures that the robotic motion controller and the metrology software operate in perfect harmony and is achieved through integrated I/O signals or industrial communication standards such as OPC UA, Profinet, or EtherNet/IP. The…
Lancashire engineering start-up turns to Mazak for twin machine investment
A precision engineering firm in Lancashire has made a twin investment in Yamazaki Mazak machine tools as it sets out ambitious plans for growth. Founded in August 2024 by owner and Managing Director James Bolland after more than 15 years working at engineering firms in the North West of England, Radical CNC has quickly developed…
Capacitive or Optical? Choose the right level sensor!
Reliable liquid detection is an essential requirement in many industrial sectors, including plant engineering. To meet these needs, Elesa introduced two new products: the HSC capacitive level sensor, suitable for conductive liquids such as water and non-conducting liquids such as oil or diesel, and the HSO optical level sensor, ideal for translucent liquids. Both ensure…
Struggling with Brazing Defects? We Can Help You Fix Them
Even the best manufacturing teams encounter brazing issues, such as poor wetting, voids, overheating, and weak joints. Each of these problems can lead to increased time, scrap, and costs. At SolPro Brazing, we assist customers in overcoming these challenges every day, often recommending simple changes that significantly improve quality and consistency.Here are the top defects…
Transforming Production With Ceratizit UK & Ireland Ltd
When Atkinson Equipment needed to tool up the company’s latest machine acquisition, it knew exactly where to turn. The decision to partner with Ceratizit UK & Ireland Ltd wasn’t taken lightly, but rather built upon years of trust, technical excellence, and a single cutting tool that solved what seemed like an impossible challenge. Located in…
Manufacturing News – Early November 2025
Rolls-Royce Holdings has reported continued strong performance across its businesses in a trading update to 31 October 2025, saying results remain in line with expectations and reinforcing confidence in its full-year guidance. Chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the group’s ongoing transformation programme was “delivering profitable growth and further strengthening our balance sheet”, despite ongoing supply…
Handicare Sees Quality and Efficiency Skyrocket by 98% with Baty Venture FV Vision System
For more than 130 years, Handicare, part of Savaria Corporation, has designed and manufactured stairlifts, platform lifts, and home lifts that enable people to live comfortably and independently in their own homes for longer. In the UK, the company works closely with healthcare providers, installers, and mobility retailers to deliver safety-critical products that customers rely…
Manufacturing News – Late October 2025
The announcement of a long-term industrial strategy is set to bring immediate benefits to the UK economy, with more than a third of companies saying they will now accelerate investment projects as a direct result of the announcement according to a major annual survey on investment priorities published by Make UK and RSM UK. Key…
Manufacturing News – Early October 2025
The Midlands’ manufacturing sector has warned it is at a “crossroads” with business leaders calling on the government for urgent and co-ordinated action to protect the future of British industry. At a roundtable sponsored and hosted by accountancy and advisory firm MHA in Birmingham, manufacturers, industry representatives and policy experts highlighted a combination of post-Brexit…
Tebis: Process Solutions in Manufacturing
Whilst many recognise Tebis for CAD/CAM and MES software, Tebis also offers intelligent manufacturing through advanced smart automation to optimise the entire production workflow. The virtual machine technology introduces a new level of safety and precision dramatically reducing the risk of collisions and safer, more confident machining. Fully integrated and built to meet modern manufacturing…
Unlock Full Automation in Quality Control: Revolutionize Your Production with eviXscan 3D Scanners and Robots!
Is your quality control keeping pace with your production? Manual measurements are time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error. It’s time for a change! It’s time for the future of industrial metrology! The fully automated measurement stations combine the unmatched precision of eviXscan 3D optical scanners, from Optimax, with the flexibility and efficiency of collaborative…
Manufacturing News – Late September 2025
Manufacturers in the West Midlands saw a strong recovery in activity during the third quarter of the year, with signs that delayed investment is now being unlocked and hiring plans are picking up. According to the Make UK/BDO Q3 Manufacturing Outlook survey, output and orders showed solid growth, at +42% and +13% respectively. Investment intentions…
CFM-PC Hinges with Integrated Electric Cable from ELESA
CFM-PC hinge in UL-94 V0 self-extinguishing technopolymer, integrates the mechanical function of a standard hinge with the possibility to transmit electrical current from a jamb to the attached door. The UL-94 V0 certification confirms that the material, when subjected to a vertical burn test, extinguishes within 10 seconds without producing flaming drips. This ensures a high level of…
Elevating Cutting Tool Quality Control
The increasing demand for precision and performance in cutting tools, fuelled by new materials and machining applications, requires enhanced measurement capabilities. Critical parameters that must be monitored include roughness, GD&T (form/geometry), cutting-edge geometry, defect, wear, coating measurement, and integrity. Traditional optical and contact methods offer limited geometric data, often lacking the ability to measure surface finish, edge radii, and rake, wedge,…
Manufacturing News – Early September 2025
Recent years have seen a growing number of UK-headquartered manufacturers bringing their production facility back to the UK. Strategies in how to do so have varied – some manufacturers are choosing to bring 100% of production back to our shores, while others are bringing the manufacture of certain products or specific sections of their build…
Retrofittable LubiCool® high-pressure units from KNOLL enable automated precision machining
In order to manufacture complex, rotationally symmetrical precision components with deep bores and fi ne internal contours, the machines must be equipped with a high-pressure cooling lubricant (KSS) supply – especially if they are to run unattended. Medical technology manufacturer TROKAMED swears by the retrofi ttable units in the LubiCool® series from KNOLL Maschinenbau, which…
HASCO marking stamps Z48600ff/… not height-adjustable
The HASCO marking stamps Z48600/… – Z48645/…without height adjustment enable simple solutions for the unambiguous, direct labelling of injection-moulded parts through production data or cavity numbers. The stamps are noted for their precise latching function and an accurate axial height position when adjusting the arrow insert, thereby ensuring consistent component quality during the entire…
Manufacturing News – Late August 2025
C. Brown & Sons (Steel), a Dudley-based steel supplier, has filed a Notice of Intention (NOI) to appoint administrators. The filing, made via law firm Addleshaw Goddard, temporarily shields the company from creditor action while it explores options for its future. https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2101591-steel-supplier-flags-up-administrators?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WestMidlands_26th_Aug_2025_Daily
The Role Of Hourly Rates In Precision Engineering Software Success
For any subcontract precision engineering business there will be many elements that make up an estimate and subsequent quotation to a potential customer. PSL Datatrack has provided estimating to invoicing software to precision engineers for over 35 years and during this time one of the most frequently asked questions has been: ‘What is an hourly…
Construction News – Early August 2025
Taylor Wimpey’s profits have been wiped out by higher-than-expected costs to remove cladding from its buildings in response to the Grenfell fire tragedy. The company made a loss in the first half of this year after putting aside an extra £222m to fix fire safety defects in homes it has built. Taylor Wimpey’s share price…
CYTEC’s Clamping Systems Drive Efficiency in Automotive Manufacturing
CYTEC continues to set the benchmark in industrial automation with its advanced range of self-locking clamping systems, engineered for universal joining and mounting processes. With decades of expertise in both design and fabrication, CYTEC’s solutions are renowned for their reliability, precision, and adaptability across demanding industrial environments. CYTEC’s CyTab clamping system, a cornerstone technology in…
Manufacturing News – Late July 2025
Manufacturing output in the South West has recovered from the impact of the pandemic faster than any other part of the UK and is now more than a quarter higher than it was in 2019. Output in the region has grown by nearly 12% over the past two years, driven by its world-leading aerospace and…
Manufacturing News – Early July 2025
The UK manufacturing sector has continued where it left off in May, reaching a four-month high as we enter the second half of 2025, new figures released today show. According to the latest S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), industry saw its rates of decline in output, new orders and employment all slow.…
Manufacturing News – Late June 2025
Yorkshire AI Labs, in partnership with Dr Rob Ward and the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), has launched DigitalCNC, an AI-driven precision manufacturing software company. This venture aims to make a leap forward in applying artificial intelligence technologies to the manufacturing industry. DigitalCNC will use AI technologies to improve quality, efficiency, and…
AA PRECISION POWERS GROWTH WITH PSL DATATRACK PRODUCTION CONTROL SOFTWARE
AA Precision Toolmakers Limited, a leading precision machining company based in Barnstaple, North Devon, has freed up valuable time to focus on profitable growth by implementing a PSL Datatrack production control software system. The company, established in 1983, faced a critical need to eliminate the inefficiencies caused by its outdated, manual spreadsheet-based system. Now, with…
Manufacturing News – Early June 2025
The UK manufacturing sector’s downturn eased somewhat in May, recording a three-month high and prompting talks that industry may have turned a corner. According to these latest figures released by S&P Global, the seasonally adjusted UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) was 46.4 in May, a slight increase on April’s 45.4 and above the earlier…
MonsterMill ISO – Fully equipped for machining nickel-based alloys and titanium
CERATIZIT’s overhauled milling cutter range handles even the most challenging materials When machining materials like nickel-based or titanium alloys, the limits of efficient manufacturing can often be reached more quickly than might be preferred. In order to deal with this and remain successful in the top tier of machining, CERATIZIT has reimagined its MonsterMill –…
Experience Unseen Detail: Hawkeye Introduces Game-Changing Q2 1.8mm Borescope
The Hawkeye Q2 1.8mm 2-way articulating video borescope is a game changer in the Aerospace, Automotive, Medical Device, Precision Manufacturing and research and development markets. High resolution video internal inspection of small internal features is a requirement in the Aerospace, Automotive, Medical Device, Precision Manufacturing and research and development markets. It allows the inspection of…
Precision engineering firm invests £250,000 to Enhance quality control
Basildon-based Rodwell Powell, a leading specialist in precision machining for the aerospace, defence, marine, construction and other industries, has invested £250,000 in a comprehensive renovation of its inspection department. The centrepiece of the upgrade was the acquisition of two coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) manufactured by LK Metrology at its Castle Donington, Derbyshire factory. They are…