Precision engineering firm ANT Industries is bucking the broader manufacturing trend, investing decisively in advanced technology to support long-term growth despite a challenging market environment. Based in Atherstone, Warwickshire, the company manufactures high-performance engine components for some of the most demanding aerospace platforms in the world, including the Rolls-Royce Trent 700 & 7000, Rolls-Royce XWB-84, Pratt & Whitney’s Gulfstream Executive Jet Family, and PW814 and PW815 engines.
As the broader UK manufacturing sector continues to show signs of contraction—albeit at a slower pace—ANT Industries is moving forward with a significant capital investment in 5-axis CNC machining and multi-axis CNC grinding technology.
“We are investing for the future, not waiting for the market to turn before acting,” said Shaun Rowley, Managing Director of ANT Industries. “This latest equipment brings a step-change in our capability, allowing us to increase precision, reduce cycle times, and meet the evolving expectations of our world-class customers.”
The investment underscores the firm’s strategy of long-term resilience and technical leadership. With a secure three-year load book and a strong order pipeline, ANT Industries is building on a foundation of sustained aerospace demand, particularly from high-thrust civil engine programmes.
“Our customers are world class, the likes of Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and others—and they set the global standard for aerospace engineering,” Rowley continued. “To be a trusted partner on these platforms means delivering exceptional quality and reliability, every time. That’s what this investment supports.”
The company’s recent expansion in capability also positions it to take advantage of any future uptick in aerospace demand as global air traffic continues to rebound and operators replace aging fleets with more fuel-efficient jets.
ANT Industries’ optimism contrasts with the broader UK manufacturing landscape, which remains in technical contraction. The July PMI data released by S&P Global put the UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index at 48.0, its highest reading in six months but still below the 50 mark that separates growth from decline. This marks the tenth consecutive month of contraction, albeit with easing momentum.
“The UK manufacturing sector is starting to send some tentatively encouraging signals,” said Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “But persistent cost pressures, weak client sentiment, and labour market headwinds continue to weigh heavily.”
Despite these concerns, ANT Industries’ forward-looking approach stands out.
“Given the long term nature of our order book, we’re not thinking in quarters—we’re thinking in years,” Rowley stated. “Our focus remains on process excellence, investment in people and technology, and supporting our customers as they face their own challenges and opportunities.”
This disciplined and proactive approach has helped ANT Industries remain agile and competitive, even as many manufacturers are hesitant to commit capital amid economic uncertainty and anticipation of the Autumn Budget.
In a sector where precision, reliability, and resilience are critical, ANT Industries appears well-positioned to lead—not follow—into the next phase of aerospace manufacturing.