Steady confidence: Why the UK remains a strong metrology market

Despite global economic uncertainty and geopolitical turbulence, leading precision measuring instrument manufacturer Accretech Europe says the UK market for industrial metrology is holding steady and, in certain sectors, demonstrating real strength.

“There’s definitely room for optimism,” states Tim Wood, the company’s Head of Business Unit – Industrial Metrology. “UK manufacturers are still investing, especially where precision underpins competitive advantage. Aerospace is proving exceptionally strong. We’ve seen several UK aerospace OEMs invest heavily in our solutions over the current financial year, with some projects worth up to £500,000.”

Such figures are significant, not only for Accretech, but as a broader indicator of confidence within high-value UK manufacturing. Aerospace primes and tier suppliers understand that advanced metrology is not discretionary, it’s foundational to compliance, safety and performance.

Encouragingly, Tim senses momentum building beyond aerospace.

“Looking ahead, it feels like something is building within the market. Maybe in another 12 months or so, we could see investment take off on a cross-sector level.”

Bridging the skills gap

Some challenges remain, however, such as the shortage of skilled metrology professionals, which is proving particularly persistent.

“As modern metrology system manufacturers, it’s our responsibility to try and bridge the skills gap.”

Accretech is investing heavily in intuitive software for multi-axis CNC measurement systems, increasingly supported by AI-driven functionality. The objective is clear: make advanced measurement more accessible to less experienced operators, in turn releasing skilled personnel to focus on higher value tasks.

“It’s about enabling flexibility within the workforce,” explains Tim. “If we can make systems easier to operate, it adds genuine business value.”

Embracing digital transformation

Another challenge is the willingness to on-board trends like cloud connectivity and AI-enabled analytics, which in experience of Accretech depends on the manufacturer’s size and experience with game-changing technologies.

“Larger OEMs are often more invested in advances like cloud-based data capture. Further down the supply chain, adoption is growing but remains uneven.”

Nevertheless, the direction of travel is clear: integration and data visibility are becoming fundamental.

Integration itself can present challenges, particularly where multiple third-party machines must communicate within a single data ecosystem. Accretech is actively addressing this issue with enhanced software compatibility, including the recent introduction of a native interface between its ACCTee software and Carl Zeiss PiWeb reporting and quality data management system.

Protecting legacy investment

With a presence in the UK dating back to the 1980s, Accretech has a substantial installed base of legacy machines. Ensuring forward compatibility is therefore a further challenge.

“We offer PC upgrade packages and software maintenance contracts so customers can stay up to date,” Tim explains. “Data flow is always forward compatible. A customer using data from an older version of our software can also use it on the latest iteration.”

For manufacturers managing long asset lifecycles, such continuity reduces risk and protects capital investment.

A shifting investment mindset

One of the most notable market changes in recent years has been a shift in how manufacturers prioritise metrology.

“Historically, metrology is last in the queue for capital project investment. However, we’re starting to see a shift. Among OEMs and tier-one suppliers, in particular, metrology is becoming a more prominent value-add.”

In a UK manufacturing environment defined by complex geometries, advanced materials and lower micron tolerances, precision metrology is far from peripheral, it’s strategic.

“If you want a competitive edge, you must include metrology in your plans from the outset,” emphasises Tim.

MACH 2026: Precision in action

Accretech will push this message directly to those visiting MACH 2026 (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April). On Stand 18-519, the company will shine the spotlight on its modular SURFCOM NEX and RONDCOM NEX systems – best sellers in the UK market – alongside portable surface and contour solutions, and in-line gauging systems.

Live interactive measurement demonstrations will be central to the display, with the company actively encouraging visitors to bring their components along for evaluation.

Think positive

With cross-sector momentum building and aerospace investment remaining robust, the UK metrology market appears more positive than headline sentiment might suggest.

And for those keen at looking beyond market trends to the technology shaping the next phase of precision measurement, there’s more to come. The next issue of Measurement & Manufacturing will cover recent Accretech innovations – from hybrid detection systems and optical measurement solutions to automation and AI-driven software – advances that are redefining the possibilities within modern metrology.