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World-class in Advanced Manufacturing

Manufacturing is vital to the UK. Contributing over £150 billion a year to the economy, it accounts for around a seventh of total UK output and three-quarters of all business R&D. It generates 50 per cent of UK exports and employs around three million people. In fact, its value is even higher, since it buys in many business services that were once in-house.

The UK is the world's sixth-largest manufacturer and has many globally operating companies. Firms such as Renishaw, Delcam, Group Rhodes and 600 Group are part of major supply chains, including those for aerospace, automotive, defence, oil & gas and medical devices.

High-profile international brands include BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GKN, JCB, Caterpillar, Ford, BMW and Honda, and UK advanced manufacturing companies supply to all these businesses. UK firms work closely with OEMs, designing solutions for their products and fully exploiting skills and knowledge to strengthen the supply chain.

The latest lean processes and techniques developed by the UK sector help customers improve their productivity, flexibility and quality, ensuring they stay competitive in the global market.

Main activities

UK companies are active in all kinds of areas, including:

Metrology

The UK metrology sector has numerous world-leading brands, such as Renishaw, Newall Measurement Systems and Bowers Metrology Group, offering a broad spectrum of dimensional measurement solutions, products and services.

Precision machining

Firms like Lapmaster International produce machine components to the tightest of tolerances and can handle all sizes of work pieces. Accordingly, they offer excellent service to businesses in the tool making, aerospace, medical instrumentation, power generation and automotive sectors.

Rapid prototyping

Thanks to companies such as Rigibore and HK, the UK leads in creating new technologies that speed up the "product to market" process.

Manufacturing software

The UK is home to several world leaders in CAD/CAM software for the three-dimensional design, manufacture and inspection of complex shapes. Companies like Delcam, Alphacem and Edgecam develop software and hardware for use in all kinds of applications, from conceptual design to pattern-making and tool-making.

Manufacturing simulation

Companies like MachineWorks provide software that allows complete machine tools to be accurately visualised and modelled, and their movements in the manufacturing process predicted.

Turning, milling and metal forming

UK machine tool builders produce equipment that ranges from bespoke mechanical and hydraulic presses to advanced combination/CNC lathes and laser-profiling machines. The 600 Group has the largest volume lathe manufacturing plant in Europe and is the world's biggest manufacturer of manual/CNC lathes.

Other UK companies, such as Cincinnati Machine, Bridgeport and C Dugard, provide world-class machining and turning centres, and are leaders in systems integration. This expertise allows firms such as Group Rhodes to offer state-of-the-art manufacturing cells, incorporating presses from 10 to 5,000 tonnes.

Cutting tools

In this area there is constant development to enhance machining performance. Innovations include new insert grade for steel turning and milling, and advances to improve cutting tools' strength, reliability, durability and range of application. Notable UK companies include Brooke Cutting Tools, Cogsdill-Nuneaton and Dathan Tool & Gauge.

Workholding and toolholding

UK firms offer the latest workholding devices for all kinds of manufacturers. Companies like Coventry Toolholders, Craftsman Tools and Pratt Burnerd International supply everything from hydraulic clamping to double clamping.