Aerospace manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, scale production and strengthen supply chains.
This article explores how manufacturing decisions can influence programme performance and why integrated manufacturing partners are becoming increasingly important to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
Demand across the aerospace sector remains strong. Airbus reported a commercial aircraft backlog of 8,754 aircraft at the end of 2025, while Boeing continues to hold combined order backlogs representing many years of future production. As manufacturers work to increase output, the focus is increasingly shifting towards production efficiency, scalability and long-term supply chain performance.
In aerospace manufacturing, the optimum production route depends on the application. Geometry, material selection, production volumes and performance requirements all play a role in determining how a component is best produced.
At FIA 2026, Expromet Technologies Group will be showcasing how its combined expertise in casting, machining, fabrication and wider manufacturing solutions helps aerospace manufacturers identify and deliver the most appropriate solution for their application.
Why manufacturing strategy matters in aerospace
Aerospace components are expected to meet stringent requirements for performance, reliability and longevity. At the same time, manufacturers face increasing pressure to control costs, improve efficiency and build resilient supply chains.
As a result, manufacturing decisions are becoming an increasingly important part of aerospace component development.
The production route chosen can influence everything from material utilisation and production efficiency to lead times, downstream processing requirements and long-term supply chain resilience. Considering manufacturing options early can help manufacturers make more informed engineering, procurement and supply chain decisions.
The importance of manufacturing strategy is also reflected in the wider aerospace industry. Farnborough International Airshow identifies supply chain resilience, manufacturing scalability and future procurement strategies among the key themes shaping the sector.
Performance, complexity and manufacturability
Weight remains an important consideration across many aerospace applications. Whether supporting aircraft interiors, UAV platforms or aerospace support systems, reducing unnecessary mass can contribute to improved efficiency and performance.
Material selection is only one part of the equation. The manufacturing approach can also influence material utilisation, production efficiency and the ability to incorporate complex geometries into a component design.
Some applications benefit from manufacturing processes that allow components to be produced closer to their final form, reducing material waste and downstream machining requirements. Others demand the precision, repeatability and tight tolerances associated with advanced CNC machining. Fabricated assemblies may offer advantages where larger structures, welded constructions or multi-component assemblies are required.
Understanding these options early in the development process can help manufacturers make more informed decisions about performance, manufacturability and long-term production requirements.
Supporting programmes through scaling production
Manufacturing requirements rarely remain static throughout the life of an aerospace programme. Development and prototype phases may prioritise flexibility, speed and design iteration. As programmes mature, attention often shifts towards repeatability, production efficiency, supply chain resilience and long-term availability.
Expertise across multiple manufacturing disciplines provides greater flexibility throughout this process. It enables manufacturers to evaluate alternative approaches as designs evolve, production volumes increase or programme requirements change.
For aerospace organisations, manufacturing decisions can have a lasting impact on programme costs, production efficiency, lead times and long-term supply chain resilience. Early engagement with manufacturing specialists can help manufacturers evaluate these considerations before they become production challenges.
Whether customers have a defined manufacturing process in mind or simply a component requirement, Expromet’s engineering expertise helps identify the most effective production route. By evaluating the application, performance requirements and production objectives first, we recommend the approach that best supports both the technical and commercial goals of the programme.
Supporting aircraft interiors manufacturers
Aircraft interiors manufacturers are under constant pressure to reduce weight, manage costs and maintain passenger comfort, while meeting demanding regulatory and certification requirements.
Components used within seating systems and cabin interiors must often balance durability, appearance and performance while supporting increasingly efficient production. Manufacturers must also consider production volumes, passenger experience and the ongoing pressure to improve efficiency across the supply chain.
Expromet supports aircraft interiors manufacturers through a combination of investment casting, machining, forging and wider manufacturing expertise. Applications include seating structures, armrests, pivot blocks, tray table mechanisms and other cabin hardware used throughout commercial aircraft cabins.
Supporting defence aerospace programmes
Defence aerospace programmes present a distinct set of manufacturing challenges. Components are often required to operate in demanding environments, meet stringent performance requirements and remain available throughout long service lives, making long-term manufacturing support and supply continuity important considerations from the outset.
The strategic importance of resilient manufacturing capability is increasing as defence investment grows. The UK Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy includes a commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, representing the largest sustained increase since the end of the Cold War.
Expromet supports defence aerospace programmes through a combination of casting, machining, fabrication and wider manufacturing capabilities. Applications include missile systems, avionics, telemetry systems, flight recorders and other performance-critical aerospace equipment.
Supporting UAV and emerging aerospace technologies
UAV technologies continue to create new opportunities across both commercial and defence aerospace markets.
These programmes often combine the performance expectations associated with traditional aerospace applications with significantly faster development cycles. Designs may evolve rapidly as platforms are tested, refined and prepared for production.
Expromet supports manufacturers developing UAV and emerging aerospace technologies through expertise spanning casting, machining, fabrication and wider manufacturing disciplines. Applications include lightweight structural components, drone engine components and other precision-engineered parts.
Why aerospace manufacturers are looking for integrated manufacturing partners
While the priorities of aircraft interiors manufacturers, defence suppliers and UAV developers may differ, they share a common requirement: manufacturing expertise capable of supporting performance, scalability and long-term programme success.
Aerospace components are rarely manufactured in isolation. Many programmes require a combination of casting, machining, fabrication, finishing and assembly processes, often involving multiple suppliers across the supply chain. Managing these relationships can add complexity, particularly where programmes demand long-term supply, production scalability and consistent quality.
As a result, many OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are increasingly seeking manufacturing partners capable of supporting a broader range of requirements through a single relationship.
This approach can help simplify supplier management, improve communication and provide greater visibility throughout the manufacturing process. It can also create opportunities to evaluate alternative manufacturing solutions, helping ensure components are produced in the most appropriate way for the application.
Through Haworth Castings, Investacast, Metaltech Precision and Tiverton Fabrications, Expromet Technologies Group brings together expertise in sand casting, investment casting, CNC machining, fabrication and additional manufacturing methods.
This breadth of capability allows components and assemblies to be assessed across multiple manufacturing disciplines, helping identify the most appropriate solution for the application while providing continuity from prototype development through to production and long-term supply.
Many customers are looking for fewer supplier relationships and greater visibility across the manufacturing process. Bringing casting, machining and fabrication expertise together can simplify decision-making and support a more joined-up approach to programme delivery.
Meet Expromet at FIA 2026
Whether you are developing a new aerospace component, reviewing an existing programme or assessing alternative manufacturing approaches, FIA 2026 provides an opportunity to discuss your requirements with the Expromet team.
Meet the Expromet team on Stand 1548 at FIA 2026 to explore how integrated expertise across casting, machining and fabrication can support your next aerospace programme:
- Discuss aerospace components and assemblies
- Explore alternative manufacturing approaches
- Review existing supply chain challenges
- Learn more about Expromet’s casting, machining and fabrication capabilities.
About the author
Luke Moran, Sales Director, Expromet Technologies Group
Luke works with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and engineering teams to identify manufacturing solutions across casting, machining and fabrication disciplines. He supports customers across aerospace, defence and other performance-critical sectors, helping evaluate the most appropriate manufacturing approach for complex components and assemblies.
FAQs about aerospace manufacturing and integrated manufacturing partners
How can aerospace manufacturers choose the most appropriate manufacturing process for a component?
The most appropriate manufacturing process depends on factors such as component geometry, material requirements, performance expectations, production volumes, lead times and cost objectives. Aerospace manufacturers often evaluate multiple options, including casting, machining and fabrication, to identify the solution best suited to the application and programme requirements.
What are the benefits of using an integrated manufacturing partner in aerospace?
An integrated manufacturing partner can help reduce supply chain complexity by providing access to multiple manufacturing capabilities through a single relationship. This can improve communication, simplify supplier management and support more efficient decision-making throughout the programme lifecycle.
Which aerospace sectors does Expromet support?
Expromet supports a wide range of aerospace applications, including aircraft interiors, defence aerospace programmes, UAV technologies and other performance-critical aerospace components and assemblies. The Group’s expertise spans investment casting, sand casting, gravity die casting, CNC machining and fabrication.
What types of aerospace components can Expromet manufacture?
Applications vary by sector but include aircraft seating components, cabin hardware, armrests, pivot blocks, tray table mechanisms, avionics components, telemetry system components, flight recorder components, drone engine components and a wide range of other precision-engineered aerospace parts and assemblies.
Why are aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers increasingly looking for integrated manufacturing partners?
Many aerospace programmes require a combination of manufacturing processes, suppliers and specialist capabilities. Integrated manufacturing partners can help simplify this complexity by bringing together multiple disciplines, improving visibility across the manufacturing process and supporting long-term programme requirements through a more coordinated approach.
How does Expromet help aerospace customers evaluate manufacturing options?
By bringing together expertise across casting, machining and fabrication, Expromet can help customers assess alternative manufacturing approaches based on technical requirements, production objectives and long-term supply considerations. This allows decisions to be based on the needs of the application rather than a single manufacturing process.
How can I get in contact to arrange a meeting with Expromet at Farnborough Airshow?
Get in touch with the team on +441271866200 or email [email protected]
