At Airedale Springs, we’ve seen first-hand how spring manufacturing is integral to the UK’s worldwide industrial landscape. The changes brought about by Brexit have reshaped the way we approach international supply chains and sourcing. New tariffs have been added, presenting challenges that require resilience and adaptability. We examine the effects of Brexit on the spring manufacturing industry five years on.
The State of Manufacturing Post-Brexit
Manufacturing accounts for approximately 10% of the UK’s GDP and provides direct employment for nearly 3 million people, making the UK the ninth-largest manufacturing nation in the world. Post-Brexit, our industry has faced economic uncertainty, inflation, and workforce challenges due to new immigration rules. Projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility suggest that, in the long run, UK exports and imports could be around 15% lower than they would have been if the UK had remained within the EU.
However, it still accounts for two-thirds of national R&D and 45% of the UK’s total exports, and this figure is set to grow with more investment in British manufacturing. We are proud to represent the very best of British engineering and ingenuity. Having manufactured springs in Yorkshire since 1945, we’ve witnessed (and contributed to) the evolution of UK industry. Our team combines decades of experience with ongoing investment in training and technology, demonstrating every day that British expertise can drive world-class manufacturing.
Tariffs, Trade Agreements, and Regulatory Barriers
The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) helped avoid most direct tariffs, but it also introduced a host of non-tariff barriers. We’ve dealt with increased customs checks, rules-of-origin paperwork, and greater bureaucracy, each adding to the complexity and cost of international trade. Between 2019 and 2021, imports from the EU fell by 18%, and exports by 9%.
Despite these new hurdles, we have continued to serve clients both at home and abroad, navigating the complexities by investing in staff development and communication. Our flexibility in responding to rapidly changing regulations ensures that our customers, many of whom rely on short lead times face as little disruption as possible.
The Push for Local Sourcing & Reshoring
At Airedale Springs, we have made local sourcing a priority, not just due to necessity but because of the real benefits it brings. Around 58% of UK manufacturers are reshoring, and 90% report improved resilience and cost efficiency as a result. Sourcing within the UK enables us to manage better risks associated with overseas disruptions and late deliveries, ensuring our customers receive quality products on time. By working closely with British suppliers, we help sustain the communities around us and ensure that our products remain British-made, from raw material to final assembly. As a family business, we deeply value these connections, which reinforce the integrity and reliability of everything we deliver
Sustainability and Economic Impact
We take pride in the fact that all the metal used in our springs and wire forms is fully recyclable, in line with the wider UK manufacturing industry’s commitment to lowering emissions.
With the UK processing over 11 million tonnes of scrap metal every year, we’re seeing tangible progress towards national sustainability goals, and we’re proud to play our part locally. By sourcing recycled and recyclable packaging materials and optimising our processes to reduce waste, we’re ensuring our Impact on the environment (and the local community) remains positive and responsible.
Opportunities for UK Manufacturers
We have taken proactive steps to restructure our supply chain, prioritising local suppliers gaining greater control and resilience. Our long-standing reputation for quality and compliance with stringent UK standards is a key advantage, both in the UK and for our exports.
Our investment in the latest CNC equipment for spring design ensures that we deliver precision-engineered solutions to each customer, whether it is a bespoke spring for a specialist application or a million-piece production run. Our wide-ranging services (from prototyping to spring assembly and logistics) mean our partners can trust us at every stage of their project.
Champions of British Industry
The post-Brexit landscape has fostered adaptation, creativity, and a sense of pride in British production. At Airedale Springs, we view each challenge as a springboard for progress and every opportunity as a chance to demonstrate our strengths. With a focus on innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we’re optimistic about the future of UK manufacturing, and our continuing role at its heart. Contact us today to discuss your spring manufacturing needs. We’re always ready to listen, support, and collaborate with diverse industry sectors.