Q1 Subcontract Market Up 8% on Q4 2025

The UK contract manufacturing market was fundamentally solid in the first quarter of 2026, showing healthy growth compared with the previous quarter, according to the latest Contract Manufacturing Index (CMI) figures. The CMI stood at 75 for the quarter, up 8% on Q4 2025. It showed solid month-on-month growth from January onwards, but by the end March supplier quoting activitystarted seeing the effects of global events. On a process basis, machining represented 45% of the market, unchanged from the previous quarter, whilefabrication rose from 42% to 47% at the expense of other processes like moulding.

More information www.qimtek.co.uk

Mills CNC takes 41 machine orders at MACH

Mills CNC is describing its attendance at last month’s MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham
as nothing short of incredible and exceptional. With 41 orders for new machines and some
200 serious enquiries taken during the week-long show, the company reports that the event
has proved the best and most successful MACH Mills has attended in its 52-year history. In
total, the company’s stand hosted over 3000 visitors.

Reflects Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s CEO: “What a fantastic show. From day one, our stand was
busy, creating a real buzz among visitors. I would like to thank everyone who visited our
MACH stand, it was much appreciated. We’re now actively engaged in following up the
hundreds of enquiries and leads taken at the exhibition, and I’m confident this activity will
result in even more sales in the weeks and months ahead.”
More information www.millscnc.co.uk

Leader Chuck offered cornucopia of opportunities at MACH

At last month’s MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham, Leader Chuck International showcased a broad spectrum of equipment and ancillaries aimed at improving machine shop productivity and efficiency. Drawing on extensive application knowledge, the company’s team demonstrated a range of solutions designed to reduce set-up times, increase accuracy and enhance process reliability.

From Hainbuch, the centroteX quick-change system (pictured) attracted attention for its ability to reduce clamping changeover times while maintaining accuracy of ≤0.003 mm without the need for alignment. Meanwhile, the HPCHO KPS polygonal modular tool-holding system demonstrates high rigidity and precision within 2 microns, alongside reduced set-up times for turning centres and turn-mill machines. Its trilobed design ensures effective torque transmission and automatic centring.

Lehmann’s compact CNC rotary tables provide efficient use of machine envelopes with their rapid indexing and high torque for demanding applications. Complementing this technology, the Lexair Tri-Grip collet maximises loading capacity with a compact, three-in-one design that simplifies installation and improves consistency.

The Llambrich drill chuck programme was also on the stand, including the medical-grade INOX range, as was the Maprox E-Chuck and Clamp-Fix systems for precise metrology and assembly applications. The Mate Precision Dyno range, developed to overcome limitations identified in zero-point systems, improves repeatability and set-up efficiency.

Additional solutions included NGT driven tool holders, OMIL gripping systems, Orange Vice work holding, and Piranha Clamp’s high-pressure coolant delivery system. RotoRi jaw boring rings and Walmag magnetic work-holding solutions further underlined the breadth of the portfolio.

“Across the stand, the focus was on helping manufacturers achieve faster set-ups, greater flexibility and improved process control,” said managing director Mark Jones.

More information www.leaderchuck.com

Robotics partnership

Isembard has entered a partnership with Dexory to manufacture components for its autonomous warehouse robots and support production scaling across the UK and US. Under the partnership, Isembard will produce parts for Dexory’s robots across both countries using its software-powered factories in London, Exeter and Gosport in the UK, and Texas and Missouri in the US. Together, the companies will scale production to support global deployment, strengthening domestic manufacturing capability across the UK and US as demand for autonomous robotics grows.

More information www.isembard.com

AI toolkit to help manufacturers cut complexity

A new guide from Made Smarter is helping manufacturers cut through AI noise and focus on what actually works on the factory floor. ‘AI Adoption in Manufacturing: A Practical Toolkit from Made Smarter’ has been developed to support SME leaders navigating this significant technological shift. While awareness of AI is high, many manufacturers remain unsure where to start, how to manage risk and how to translate potential into measurable business value. The guide sets out a task-first approach, helping identify where AI can reduce low-value work, improve decision-making and strengthen day-to-day operations.

More information www.bit.ly/3Rj1BEj