UK manufacturing entered autumn with another month of growth, strengthening the case for renewed investment in Britain’s industrial base. The S&P Global manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 51.9 in September from 51.7 in August, marking an 11th consecutive month of expansion. A reading above 50 indicates growth.
For Midland Deburr managing director Chris Arrowsmith (pictured), the figures highlight an opportunity to build capacity across the wider manufacturing supply chain: “Eleven months of manufacturing growth tells us something important. There’s work out there, companies are investing and there’s still tremendous engineering capability in Britain.
While manufacturing growth is often measured through factory output, every finished component depends on a network of specialist suppliers. From its West Midlands facility, Midland Deburr provides vibratory deburring, component cleaning, solvent degreasing and vapour degreasing for manufacturers producing pressings, castings and machined components.
“When customers become busier, that work travels through the supply chain,” Arrowsmith explains. “Machining creates components that need finishing, while pressings and castings require deburring and cleaning. Increased production ultimately means increased demand across specialist processes.”
September’s survey recorded continued growth in new orders and exports, alongside longer supplier delivery times and higher input costs. Arrowsmith believes investment throughout the supply chain will be essential if manufacturers are to respond to rising demand.
“If Britain wants higher manufacturing output, we have to think about capacity all the way through the supply chain,” he says. “That means machinery, skills, energy, premises, logistics and the specialist processes that keep components moving.”
He adds: “Britain knows how to manufacture. We have the people, the engineering heritage and an extraordinary base of specialist companies. This is the time to use it, invest in it and give it every opportunity to grow.”
More information www.midlanddeburrandfinish.co.uk
