The latest figures from ADS showing that the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors now contribute £46.8 billion to the economy underline the strength of British advanced manufacturing and the growing opportunities available across the aerospace supply chain and ANT Industries are proud to be part of a booming sector in aerospace that is creating opportunities for UK manufacturers.
The industry body reports that the combined sectors generated almost £110 billion in turnover during 2025, while exports have climbed to £50 billion and employment has reached almost 470,000 people. For manufacturers supplying critical components into aerospace programmes, the figures reflect sustained investment in production capacity, technology and engineering capability. At Atherstone-based ANT Industries, Managing Director Shaun Rowley believes the statistics confirm what many specialist manufacturers have been experiencing first-hand over recent years.
“The numbers demonstrate that aerospace and defence remain two of the UK’s strongest industrial sectors,” he said. “Behind every aircraft, engine and defence platform sits a huge network of precision engineering businesses delivering specialist components that enable these programmes to succeed.”
Specialising in the manufacture of complex machined components for some of the world’s most demanding aerospace applications, ANT Industries supplies customers across more than 20 engine platforms, exporting over 80 per cent of its production to international markets.
The company has continued investing in advanced machining technologies and production capability to support increasing customer demand, with recent investment including new five-axis machining centres and expanded manufacturing capacity.
For Rowley, the growth highlighted by ADS reflects more than increasing revenues.
“What encourages us most is the continued investment in skills, apprenticeships and advanced manufacturing,” he explained. “The sector is creating highly skilled careers while continuing to develop technologies that will define aviation for decades to come. That creates confidence for manufacturers making long-term investments in people, equipment and capability.”
The ADS figures show productivity across the combined sectors reaching almost £100,000 per employee—around a quarter higher than the UK average—highlighting the high-value nature of aerospace and defence manufacturing. That emphasis on productivity increasingly depends upon manufacturers delivering greater levels of precision, repeatability and quality whilst supporting higher production rates.
“As aircraft production continues to increase globally, manufacturers throughout the supply chain are being asked to produce more without compromising quality,” said Rowley. “Customers expect precision, consistency and complete traceability on every component. That is why investment in advanced machining, automation and digital manufacturing continues to be so important. Growth only becomes sustainable when quality grows alongside capacity.”
The figures also reinforce the importance of exports to the sector, with overseas sales now accounting for almost half of industry turnover. For ANT Industries, whose customer base includes global aerospace OEMs and Tier One suppliers, international competitiveness remains central to future growth.
“British engineering continues to enjoy an outstanding reputation around the world,” Rowley added. “Companies win international business because customers trust the quality, technical expertise and reliability that UK manufacturers consistently deliver.”
While ADS has highlighted continuing challenges around business costs, finance and supply chain resilience, Rowley believes the long-term outlook remains highly positive.
“The industry has shown remarkable resilience over the last decade, and the opportunities ahead are significant. Commercial aerospace continues to recover strongly, defence investment is increasing, and new technologies are opening entirely new markets.”
“For manufacturers that continue investing in people, technology and engineering excellence, the future is extremely encouraging. The UK’s aerospace sector has built its reputation over generations, and businesses across the supply chain have an important role to play in writing the next chapter of that success.”
With aerospace production forecast to continue rising and defence investment increasing across Europe, the latest ADS figures reinforce the UK’s position as one of the world’s leading centres for high-value aerospace manufacturing, providing continued opportunities for precision engineering companies capable of meeting the industry’s exacting standards.