THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

45% Growth At Chemical Etching Specialist

Chemical etching specialist Precision Micro has seen semiconductor-related revenue rise by 43% over the past year, with these applications now accounting for around half of the company’s total revenue. As investment in AI, high-performance computing and advanced semiconductor manufacturing accelerates, demand for precision-etched metal components is placing increasing pressure on specialist manufacturing capacity. Precision Micro has secured multiple six-figure orders this year to manufacture ultra-precise metal components used throughout semiconductor production and thermal management systems.

More information www.precisionmicro.com

Farnborough Delivers Landmark Week For Aerospace

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 convened the world of aerospace, defence and space to shape the future of flight. The show welcomed 141,580 trade and public visitors, a notable show-on-show increase of 41% and nearly double 2022’s attendance, providing the stage for commercial deals worth over $84.7bn. Across five days, leaders from government, manufacturers, investors, start-ups, academia, media and future talent from 136 countries gathered at the birthplace of British Aviation. Farnborough International Airshow will return to the industry calendar on 17-21 July 2028.

More information www.farnboroughairshow.com

Second Generation Takes Over At Haimer

On 1 August 2026, the Haimer Group completed the generational change in its ownership structure. The company shares were transferred to the second generation so that siblings Andreas and Kathrin Haimer now assume responsibility as managing directors and shareholders. The move puts the internationally active family-owned company’s long-term, owner-managed orientation on a clear path for the future.

The Haimer Group is a global manufacturer of shrink-fit and balancing technology, tool holders, presetting machines, and tool management solutions. Claudia and Franz Haimer, who founded the company in 1977 and built it up over the past decades, will remain operationally active in the management team until 31 December 2027.
More information www.haimer.com

Major Contract Funds New Nuclear Deterrent Submarines

The Government has awarded a new £5.9bn contract to BAE Systems funding critical work to progress the nation’s Dreadnought Class nuclear deterrent submarines towards entry into service. Work on the first Dreadnought now continues apace at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, ready for delivery to the Royal Navy in the early 2030s.

The four-boat Dreadnought Class programme will replace the existing Barrow-built Vanguard fleet, ensuring continuation of the UK’s critical ‘Continuous at Sea Deterrent’ capability. They will be the biggest, most powerful and technically advanced submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. The BAE Systems contract forms part of a wider £8.4bn package approved by parliament for the MoD.

More information www.baesystems.com

AMRC Sets Out Policy Roadmap

The University of Sheffield AMRC launched a new policy paper at last month’s Farnborough International Airshow, calling for a national five-year mission to secure the future of the UK’s £14.3bn aerospace sector and its 100,000 highly skilled jobs. With global demand soaring toward an estimated 65,000 new aircraft by 2050, UK suppliers must rapidly adopt advanced manufacturing technologies by 2030 to win major contracts as aviation primes prepare to select industrial partners for next-generation fleets.

The policy paper outlines three essential steps to secure UK aerospace leadership, focusing on long-term Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) funding, targeted incentives to scale new manufacturing capabilities for supply chain and national skills frameworks tailored for high-rate production.

More information www.amrc.co.uk