22
Feb 2026
23rd Jan 2026
Birmingham-based Rowan Precision is well equipped to seize opportunities within the UK’s fast-growing medical devices sector after securing ISO 13485 accreditation, aligning the business with one of the most tightly regulated and strategically important areas of British manufacturing. Having won several exciting packages of work within the medical device sector, the firm is looking to capitalise on the forecasted growth in this space over the next few years.
The move comes as the UK medical devices market continues to expand at pace. Valued at around $18.2bn in 2024, the market is forecast to grow to almost $28bn by 2032, driven by an ageing population, rising prevalence of chronic conditions and accelerating adoption of digitally enabled healthcare technologies. For precision engineering firms with the right quality systems and process discipline, the sector represents a long-term growth opportunity anchored in domestic demand and high regulatory barriers to entry.
Rowan Precision, which manufactures complex, high-tolerance components from its facilities in Birmingham, sees ISO 13485 as a critical enabler for deeper engagement with medical OEMs and Tier suppliers, particularly in diagnostics, minimally invasive devices and digitally enabled equipment.
Chief Operating Officer Glenn Aston said the accreditation reflects a deliberate strategy to diversify into sectors where quality, traceability and process control are non-negotiable.
“Medical manufacturing is one of the strongest growth stories in UK industry, and also one of the the most demanding,” Aston said. “ISO 13485 demonstrates that our systems, culture and approach to risk management are aligned with the expectations of medical device customers. It positions Rowan Precision to support programmes where patient safety, regulatory compliance and repeatability matter just as much as technical capability.”
He added that the firm’s existing experience in aerospace manufacturing provided a strong foundation for medical work, particularly as devices become more complex and data-driven.
“There’s a clear crossover between aerospace and medical in terms of documentation, validation and control,” Aston said. “As devices become smaller, smarter and more integrated, suppliers need to combine precision engineering with robust quality frameworks. That’s where we see real opportunity.”
From a commercial perspective, the growth outlook for UK medical devices is also attracting sustained investment from global players, alongside government-backed initiatives such as the NHS Innovation Accelerator and Accelerated Access Collaborative, which aim to speed adoption of new technologies. This is creating a pipeline of demand for UK-based manufacturers capable of supporting regulated production at scale.
Chief Financial Officer Jaz Khunkun said the sector offers a compelling balance of growth, resilience and strategic relevance for British manufacturing.
“The medical devices market combines strong forecast growth with long-term structural demand,” Khunkun said. “For UK manufacturers, particularly SMEs, it offers an opportunity to build sustainable value by embedding themselves in regulated supply chains that are less exposed to short-term volatility.”
He added that while regulatory complexity can be a barrier, it also serves as a differentiator.
“Achieving and maintaining standards like ISO 13485 requires investment, discipline and leadership commitment,” Khunkun said. “But once in place, those systems create confidence for customers and help UK suppliers compete on quality rather than cost alone. That’s essential if we want advanced manufacturing to thrive in the UK.”
Rowan Precision’s push into medical manufacturing also reflects broader market trends, including rising demand for in-vitro diagnostics, dental devices and digitally connected healthcare equipment, alongside a shift towards home-based monitoring and minimally invasive procedures. As the NHS and private providers continue to adopt technology-enabled care models, demand for precision-engineered, compliant components is expected to grow.
For Rowan Precision, ISO 13485 is viewed as a platform for further capability development. “This is about building a balanced, future-ready business,” Aston said. “Medical devices are a natural fit for our skills, and with the right standards in place, we’re well positioned to support customers as the sector continues to evolve.”