A Somerset manufacturer that supplies engineering equipment to the aerospace and power generation industries has won a national export award after increasing its sales to the United States by an extraordinary 668% since 2023.
Bath-based
Rotary Precision Instruments (RPI), which manufactures measurement and positioning systems for the production and maintenance of turbines and other rotating machinery, was named Heroes of British Export at the 2026
Made in Britain Impact Awards. Its equipment helps businesses to reduce inspection times and avoid costly reworking of high-value components.
Peter Marchbank, CEO at Rotary Precision Instruments, said: “We’re also incredibly proud to be British manufacturers. Manufacturing in Britain isn’t always easy, but it’s a real source of pride for us. When we speak to customers in international markets, we find that being a British manufacturer opens doors. There’s enormous respect for British engineering and the quality of what we produce, and that’s something we’re determined to uphold.”
He continued: “Thank you very much for this award. I’m genuinely proud of our team because achievements like this are only possible through the dedication of the people behind them. It’s our employees who make these initiatives happen and who deserve the recognition.”
Judges praised RPI for its exceptional international growth, with US sales in 2026 already reaching £3.65 million against a full-year target of £1.5 million. RPI's export success follows a strategic shift towards international markets, supported by investment in overseas distributors and closer relationships with major industrial customers.
The company accelerated its export strategy in 2023, a year earlier than originally planned. Since then, the United States has become a major driver of growth, accounting for 39% of total company sales.
A key part of the strategy has been developing relationships with major customers, including US aerospace and power generation group GE, while investing in distributor expertise to strengthen its presence in international markets.
Across its target territories, RPI's sales performance has exceeded its combined objectives by 55%, with judges praising its ability to translate specialist British engineering expertise into sustained international commercial success.
John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, said: “Rotary Precision Instruments is British engineering at its best, developing highly specialised equipment here in Britain and successfully competing in some of the world's most demanding industrial markets.”
He added: “Increasing US sales by this amount in just three years is an extraordinary achievement, particularly for a manufacturer supplying equipment where accuracy and reliability are absolutely critical. RPI has shown what can be achieved through a clear export strategy, investment in international partnerships and continued confidence in British manufacturing. Its success demonstrates the global demand for the expertise we have in this country.”
RPI faced strong competition in the category, with Scottish playground equipment manufacturer Inclusive Play (UK) Ltd, receiving Highly Commended recognition and industrial sieving and filtration equipment manufacturer Russell Finex, named runner-up.
Other winners at the 2026 Made in Britain Impact Awards included Invica Industries (Heritage Manufacturer of the Year), MAV Systems (Innovation of the Year), Apex Pumps (Excellence in Procurement), Orange Campers (Marketing Campaign of the Year), Trueform Engineering (Social Impact in Manufacturing Award), Anna Angel of Anya Sushko Handbags England (Inspiring Leader of the Year) and Aluminium Shapes (Sustainability Initiative of the Year).
Scarab Sweepers, part of the Fayat Group, was also presented with the special Trademark Excellence Award in recognition of its commitment to championing British manufacturing through the Made in Britain trademark.