THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

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

Jon Crossland Named MD At Bowers Group

Bowers Group has appointed Jon Crossland as its new managing director, effective July 2026. He joins with an outstanding track record of international leadership across engineering, manufacturing, operations and supply chain management, bringing decades of experience leading global businesses and delivering sustainable growth.

“Bowers Group has an exceptional heritage, a highly respected portfolio of precision metrology brands and a talented team with a strong reputation for quality and innovation,” he says. “I look forward to working with colleagues, customers and partners around the world to build on these foundations, accelerate growth and continue delivering world-class solutions that help manufacturers achieve the highest standards of precision.”

More information www.bowersgroup.co.uk