Midland Deburr & Finish MD Urges Industry to "Back UK Manufacturing and Buy British"

Following the release of the ONS Regional Manufacturing Outlook 2025, Midland Deburr & Finish Managing Director Chris Arrowsmith has issued a rallying call to UK businesses and policymakers: “Back UK industry and buy British.”

The report confirms the West Midlands as the UK’s third largest manufacturing region, generating almost 14% of its regional output from manufacturing, compared to the national average of just 9.1%. With 279,000 people employed in manufacturing across the region, the sector has seen job growth of 9,000 in the past year alone.

Chris Arrowsmith, MD of Midland Deburr & Finish, said:

“The West Midlands has always been at the heart of UK industry. From automotive to advanced engineering, our expertise is world-class. But if we want to safeguard jobs, skills, and sovereign capability, we must prioritise British-made products and services. That means backing SMEs in the supply chain and choosing UK suppliers whenever possible.”

Midland Deburr & Finish, based in Lye, provides specialist finishing processes including vibratory deburring, solvent degreasing, and vapour degreasing—all vital for ensuring precision components meet the highest standards for safety and performance.

“By investing in UK-based expertise in these processes, manufacturers get reliable, high-quality finishing—and strengthen supply chains and resilience right here in Britain,” added Arrowsmith.

According to the ONS report, transport equipment (28.7%), metal products (19.9%), and machinery equipment (10.8%) make up over half of the West Midlands’ manufacturing economy. These industries all rely on high-quality deburring and degreasing to stay competitive in global markets.

Exports remain strong, with 26% of West Midlands goods heading to North America and 19% to Asia and Oceania, but Arrowsmith cautioned against over-reliance on overseas markets:

“We must remain competitive internationally, but that starts with robust supply chains at home. ‘Backing British’ means we can keep innovating, exporting, and creating jobs for the future.”

Despite ongoing global challenges, the report shows the West Midlands manufacturing sector has returned to pre-Covid output levels, with strong investment intentions and rising confidence.

Arrowsmith concluded:

“The West Midlands is delivering for UK industry. Now it’s time for OEMs, policymakers, and businesses of every size to back their local supply chains. Buy British, back UK industry, and together we’ll secure growth and resilience for the long term.”

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About Midland Deburr & Finish

Midland Deburr & Finish is a specialist provider of surface finishing services based in Lye, Stourbridge. With decades of expertise, the company supports manufacturers across automotive, aerospace, defence, and general engineering with processes including vibratory deburring, degreasing, solvent degreasing, and vapour degreasing. The business is committed to helping UK manufacturers achieve world-class quality, reliability, and competitiveness.