UK Manufacturing Returns to Growth — and Rowan Precision Is Ready to Lead the Momentum

Birmingham-based Rowan Precision, a leading CNC machining specialist serving the aerospace and defence industries, has welcomed new data showing that UK manufacturing has expanded for the first time in more than a year.

The latest S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI reading of 50.2—its highest level in 14 months—signals a return to growth following a prolonged period of contraction. With business optimism also reaching a nine-month high, the news marks a cautiously encouraging moment for the sector.

For Rowan Precision, which delivers complex components through advanced 5-axis machining, CNC milling and turning, and sliding-head capabilities, the uptick in activity validates the company’s continued investment in high-value, high-precision manufacturing.

Glenn Aston, CFO of Rowan Precision, said the data is a welcome boost but warned that the recovery is still fragile:

“The return to growth is good news, but we must be realistic—manufacturing has endured a difficult year, and stability won’t come overnight. What matters now is ensuring that companies like ours, which invest in advanced machining and UK supply chain capability, have the conditions to continue doing so.”

Aston added that the business has maintained strong momentum throughout 2024–25, expanding capacity and enhancing its CNC technology base to support aerospace and defence programmes that demand ever-tighter tolerances and faster turnaround times.

The PMI data showed stabilisation in new orders after 13 consecutive months of decline, as well as rising confidence among UK firms. This aligns with Rowan Precision’s own outlook, underpinned by long-term demand for complex engineered components.

Jaz Khunkun, CCO of Rowan Precision, emphasised that British manufacturing’s reputation remains strong on the global stage:

“The UK makes world-class components, and Rowan Precision is proof of that. Whether it’s advanced 5-axis machining for aerospace structures or sliding-head turning for defence applications, our customers choose us because of our quality, reliability, and engineering capability.”

“If the UK is serious about re-industrialisation, companies like ours will be at the centre of it. We welcome the return to growth, but we also need consistent policy support so manufacturers can plan, invest, and scale with confidence.”

Despite the positive headline figure, analysts warn that growth remains modest. Recent disruptions—such as the severe cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover that cut production by nearly 30% in September—demonstrate the vulnerabilities in the manufacturing ecosystem.

Industry association Make UK has cautioned that further regulatory burdens could hinder the recovery, urging Government to avoid additional costs such as rises in national insurance and to support investment through targeted incentives.

With 40 years of experience, Rowan Precision has strengthened its position as one of the Midlands’ most capable precision engineering firms, delivering complex CNC-machined components to global aerospace primes, defence contractors and high-tech manufacturers.As the UK sector takes its first steps back into growth, companies like Rowan are ready to lead the resurgence—powered by advanced machining, skilled people, and a long-term commitment to British industrial excellence.