Midland Deburr & Finish Director Calls for Greater Effort to Attract Women into UK Manufacturing

As the UK manufacturing sector continues to grapple with a widening skills gap, Sue Arrowsmith, Director at Midland Deburr & Finish, is calling for renewed focus on attracting more women into engineering and manufacturing careers.

Speaking after the Stourbridge-based firm celebrated its 25th anniversary, Arrowsmith said the sector’s long-term competitiveness depends on breaking down traditional barriers and encouraging more women to see the opportunities available in modern engineering and manufacturing. The Stourbridge-based company specialises in vibratory deburring, solvent degreasing and vapour degreasing services for customers in the automotive, aerospace and off-highway sectors.

Arrowsmith believes that to tackle the long-term skills shortage, the sector must do more to appeal to underrepresented groups and create visible role models who can inspire the next generation.

“The skills gap we keep talking about goes beyond simply finding enough people—when its clear the sector is clearly not appealing to certain demographics" said Arrowsmith. “Manufacturing in this country will suffer if half of the human beings in this country decide this sector is not accessible, challenging, inclusive or even interesting enough to consider a career in and that’s holding the industry back. We need to make it clear that there are rewarding, creative and high-tech careers here for women as well as men.”

With the UK manufacturing workforce still less than 25% female, Arrowsmith says female business leaders have a crucial role to play in breaking down stereotypes and showcasing what modern manufacturing looks like.

“When women in leadership positions share their experiences, it sends a powerful message,” she added. “Our industry is changing—it's cleaner, more digital, and more sustainable than ever. We need to be proactive in showing that it’s an environment where women can thrive.”

Midland Deburr & Finish has built its reputation over 25 years on precision surface finishing, quality, and customer partnerships across a wide range of engineering disciplines. The company’s continued success, Arrowsmith says, is driven by its people and its commitment to continuous improvement.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the past quarter century,” she said. “But the future of British manufacturing depends on broadening the talent pool. Diversity goes further than being social priority for us—it’s a business imperative.”