Rowan Crozier, chairman of the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), has urged industry not to talk itself into a downturn amidst the current Brexit uncertainty, after all of its nine member firms reported strong order books as they started to make plans for 2019.

Collectively, the eight sub-contract manufacturers and an engineering design agency have added £8 million of new sales to MAN’s combined turnover; they have also invested more than £5 million in new technology, capital equipment and the recruitment of 60 new staff.

Mr Crozier, who is also CEO of metal pressings specialist Brandauer, said: “Manufacturers are not a greedy bunch, and we’re not looking for hand-outs — quite the opposite.

"Most of us just want a level playing field that we can trade on — and an end to the uncertainty that Brexit
is creating. Let us focus on what we do best and compete on quality, price and competitiveness.

“The overwhelming feeling at our last meeting was one of positivity and planning ahead.


“There was no talk of holding back on investment or stopping expansion; if anything, purse strings are being relaxed so that we don’t miss out on opportunities.”

MAN (www.man-group.co.uk) members work together to win orders and share best practice and resources.

They have a combined sales turnover of more than £75 million and employ over 800 people.

The membership comprises Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, C-MAC SMT, Grove Design, KimberMills, Mec Com, Muller Holdings and PP Control & Automation.

The engineering disciplines they cover include automation and control systems, casting, fabrication, forging, plastic injection moulding, PCB development, precision machining and high-volume pressings.