Fresh data highlighting strong growth in the UK aerospace sector has been welcomed by precision engineering specialist ANT Industries, with Managing Director Shaun Rowley describing the figures as further evidence of long-term confidence returning to advanced manufacturing supply chains.
According to new analysis of Office for National Statistics data by FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, UK manufacturing output increased by 1.4% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, reaching £159.4 billion. Leading that growth was the aerospace sector, where output rose by 12.1% to £8.6 billion across aircraft, spacecraft and related machinery production.
For ANT Industries, which supplies precision machined components to the aerospace and gas turbine sectors from its facility in Atherstone, Warwickshire, the figures reflect what many suppliers are now seeing firsthand — increasing programme activity, stronger long-term demand visibility and growing confidence among OEMs and Tier One manufacturers.
Managing Director Shaun Rowley said the aerospace sector continues to stand out as one of the most resilient and strategically important parts of UK manufacturing.
“It’s great to see aerospace continuing to drive growth within UK manufacturing because it reflects the long-term confidence returning to the sector,” he said.
“Across the supply chain, there’s a noticeable increase in activity, investment and forward planning. Aerospace programmes operate over many years, so when you see output increasing at this level, it gives businesses like ours the confidence to keep investing in technology, skills and capability.”
The figures arrive during a period of continued investment at ANT Industries, which recently strengthened its advanced machining capability through the installation of a new AXILE G8 Turn/Mill Centre designed to support complex aero engine component production.
While wider manufacturing output remains under pressure from inflation, energy costs and labour shortages, Rowley believes aerospace remains comparatively well positioned due to its high barriers to entry and long-term programme stability.
“Aerospace is not a sector that moves quickly in reaction to short-term market conditions,” he added. “The relationships, approvals and technical standards involved mean there’s a strong focus on long-term partnership and operational resilience. That stability is incredibly valuable for UK manufacturing.”
The latest ONS analysis also showed gains in electronics, food production and pharmaceuticals, while automotive output declined year-on-year despite signs of quarterly recovery.
For ANT Industries, the continued expansion of aerospace manufacturing represents more than positive headline statistics — it signals growing opportunity for specialist UK suppliers capable of delivering precision, repeatability and reliability in increasingly demanding global programmes.
“As a business, we’re seeing increasing engagement from major aerospace customers and OEMs looking closely at capability, capacity and long-term supply chain partners,” said Rowley. “That’s positive not just for ANT Industries, but for the wider UK advanced manufacturing sector.”