Manufacturing News – Early February 2026
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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, despite the disruptive impact of the cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
Sourced from Engineering Capacity
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The UK manufacturing sector has begun 2026 on firmer footing, with activity expanding at its fastest rate for 17 months as new orders and output gathered momentum.
The latest S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 51.8 in January, up from 50.6 in December and above the earlier flash estimate, marking the third consecutive month in positive territory.
A reading above 50 signals growth, and the January figure suggests the sector is edging further away from the stagnation that characterised much of last year. Output increased for a fourth month in a row, while incoming new business expanded at the quickest pace in almost four years. Particularly significant was the return of export demand, which rose for the first time since 2022, with manufacturers reporting stronger sales to Europe, the United States and China.
Sourced from The Manufacturer
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Precision engineering group Expromet Technologies has acquired Tiverton Fabrications, a Devon-based provider of fabricated and welded solutions.
The deal broadens Expromet’s UK footprint and enables the Ilfracombe-based group to offer fully integrated casting, machining, welding, fabrication and assembly across its sites.
Tiverton Fabrications specialises in performance-critical welded solutions, including bespoke vessels, vacuum chambers, cylinders and tubes in aluminium, stainless steel and speciality alloys, for customers across the UK and worldwide.
Sourced from The Business Desk
