Keep the Wheels Turning: Midland Deburr & Finish Urges UK Manufacturers to Stay Bold Amid the Gloom
As September’s Manufacturing PMI data paints a picture of deepening contraction across the sector, one Midlands business leader is calling for a collective show of confidence from British manufacturers. Chris Arrowsmith, Managing Director of Midland Deburr & Finish Ltd, based in Lye, Stourbridge, says that while headlines highlight a slowdown, what he sees daily on the factory floor tells a very different story.
“The phones are still ringing. The work is still coming in. From tiny precision parts to engine-sized castings, there’s an incredible diversity of manufacturing going on across the UK,” Arrowsmith says. “Now is not the time to retreat. Now is the time to double down on quality, consistency, and delivery — because that’s how we keep the wheels of industry turning.”
The latest S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI slipped to a five-month low of 46.2 in September, indicating contraction for the twelfth consecutive month. New orders and output fell, export confidence weakened, and job cuts continued across much of the sector. But for firms like Midland Deburr & Finish — which specialises in vibratory deburring, vibro-polishing and solvent-based metal degreasing — demand for precision and reliability is stronger than ever.
“Customers are under more pressure than ever to deliver flawless components,” Arrowsmith explains. “We’re seeing everything from aerospace rings and precision pressings to huge castings coming through our doors. The common factor is the need for absolute consistency — whether that’s through vibratory deburring to achieve the perfect surface finish, or vapour degreasing to ensure every trace of oil and contamination is removed.”
From its ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accredited facility, Midland Deburr & Finish handles components from 2mm to 1.5 metres, serving customers across the automotive, aerospace, energy, and general engineering supply chains. The company offers next-day turnaround, free local delivery, and batch flexibility ranging from one-off prototypes to thousands of parts.
While some may view deburring and cleaning as a cosmetic step, Arrowsmith insists it’s central to performance and safety. “There’s a misconception that deburring is just about appearance,” he says. “In reality, it’s about reliability and safety. Burrs create stress points that can lead to fatigue or premature wear when parts interact. Likewise, poor cleaning can compromise coating adhesion or allow contaminants into assemblies. That’s why more and more manufacturers are turning to us.”
Midland Deburr’s vapour degreasing process leaves no watermarks, stains, or discolouration — a key requirement before plating, painting, or assembly. Combined with vibratory finishing, it ensures components not only look the part but perform to world-class standards.
“When you’re part of the supply chain for aerospace or advanced engineering, the margin for error is zero,” Arrowsmith adds. “That’s where UK manufacturing excels — precision, pride, and process control.” The latest PMI report may reflect a challenging macroeconomic backdrop — with weaker orders, energy costs, and uncertainty around government policy all weighing on sentiment — but Arrowsmith believes the data doesn’t tell the whole story.
“It’s easy to look at the numbers and get disheartened,” he says. “But manufacturing isn’t built on sentiment; it’s built on skill, service and graft. The truth is, while others are hesitating, the most resilient firms are getting out there, visiting customers, investing in process, and showing what British industry can do.”
“We need to be bullish, not bashful,” he continues. “We’ve come through Brexit, a pandemic, supply chain chaos, and rising costs — and we’re still here, still producing. That tells you everything you need to know about British manufacturing.”
Inside Midland Deburr’s busy workshop, that message of determination is alive and well. One day might see thousands of small machined components processed for the automotive sector; the next, a single large aerospace casting requiring precision vapour degreasing.
“That variety keeps us sharp and proud of what we do,” says Arrowsmith. “It’s a privilege to play even a small part in helping customers deliver world-class products. Whatever the headlines say, there’s still incredible capability, creativity, and commitment in UK manufacturing — and we’re determined to keep that momentum going.”
As UK manufacturers navigate economic headwinds and await clearer signals from policymakers, Midland Deburr & Finish’s message is simple: keep moving, keep making, and keep believing.
“The time for retreat is over,” Arrowsmith concludes. “We’ve got the skills, the equipment and the determination. Let’s use them — together — to drive the next phase of British manufacturing forward.”
“The phones are still ringing. The work is still coming in. From tiny precision parts to engine-sized castings, there’s an incredible diversity of manufacturing going on across the UK,” Arrowsmith says. “Now is not the time to retreat. Now is the time to double down on quality, consistency, and delivery — because that’s how we keep the wheels of industry turning.”
The latest S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI slipped to a five-month low of 46.2 in September, indicating contraction for the twelfth consecutive month. New orders and output fell, export confidence weakened, and job cuts continued across much of the sector. But for firms like Midland Deburr & Finish — which specialises in vibratory deburring, vibro-polishing and solvent-based metal degreasing — demand for precision and reliability is stronger than ever.
“Customers are under more pressure than ever to deliver flawless components,” Arrowsmith explains. “We’re seeing everything from aerospace rings and precision pressings to huge castings coming through our doors. The common factor is the need for absolute consistency — whether that’s through vibratory deburring to achieve the perfect surface finish, or vapour degreasing to ensure every trace of oil and contamination is removed.”
From its ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accredited facility, Midland Deburr & Finish handles components from 2mm to 1.5 metres, serving customers across the automotive, aerospace, energy, and general engineering supply chains. The company offers next-day turnaround, free local delivery, and batch flexibility ranging from one-off prototypes to thousands of parts.
While some may view deburring and cleaning as a cosmetic step, Arrowsmith insists it’s central to performance and safety. “There’s a misconception that deburring is just about appearance,” he says. “In reality, it’s about reliability and safety. Burrs create stress points that can lead to fatigue or premature wear when parts interact. Likewise, poor cleaning can compromise coating adhesion or allow contaminants into assemblies. That’s why more and more manufacturers are turning to us.”
Midland Deburr’s vapour degreasing process leaves no watermarks, stains, or discolouration — a key requirement before plating, painting, or assembly. Combined with vibratory finishing, it ensures components not only look the part but perform to world-class standards.
“When you’re part of the supply chain for aerospace or advanced engineering, the margin for error is zero,” Arrowsmith adds. “That’s where UK manufacturing excels — precision, pride, and process control.” The latest PMI report may reflect a challenging macroeconomic backdrop — with weaker orders, energy costs, and uncertainty around government policy all weighing on sentiment — but Arrowsmith believes the data doesn’t tell the whole story.
“It’s easy to look at the numbers and get disheartened,” he says. “But manufacturing isn’t built on sentiment; it’s built on skill, service and graft. The truth is, while others are hesitating, the most resilient firms are getting out there, visiting customers, investing in process, and showing what British industry can do.”
“We need to be bullish, not bashful,” he continues. “We’ve come through Brexit, a pandemic, supply chain chaos, and rising costs — and we’re still here, still producing. That tells you everything you need to know about British manufacturing.”
Inside Midland Deburr’s busy workshop, that message of determination is alive and well. One day might see thousands of small machined components processed for the automotive sector; the next, a single large aerospace casting requiring precision vapour degreasing.
“That variety keeps us sharp and proud of what we do,” says Arrowsmith. “It’s a privilege to play even a small part in helping customers deliver world-class products. Whatever the headlines say, there’s still incredible capability, creativity, and commitment in UK manufacturing — and we’re determined to keep that momentum going.”
As UK manufacturers navigate economic headwinds and await clearer signals from policymakers, Midland Deburr & Finish’s message is simple: keep moving, keep making, and keep believing.
“The time for retreat is over,” Arrowsmith concludes. “We’ve got the skills, the equipment and the determination. Let’s use them — together — to drive the next phase of British manufacturing forward.”
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