Strengthening supply chains for performance-critical defence programmes
Expromet Technologies Group recently hosted a specialist defence manufacturing event in partnership with Make UK Defence, bringing together SMEs, primes and Tier 1 suppliers to discuss the realities of delivering performance-critical defence programmes in the UK.
Held at group company Metaltech Precision in Somerset, the event formed part of Expromet’s ongoing commitment to strengthening UK manufacturing capability across aerospace and defence, supporting resilient, compliant supply chains that meet the demands of highly regulated and mission-critical environments.
Supporting the UK defence SME supply chain
Make UK Defence plays a vital role in representing and championing the UK defence SME supply chain, ensuring that smaller manufacturers have a voice across MOD programmes and wider government initiatives. Through its work, Make UK Defence helps connect capability with opportunity, enabling collaboration between SMEs, primes and Tier 1s.
As a leading manufacturing partner to the defence sector, Expromet works closely with organisations such as Make UK Defence to support meaningful engagement across the supply chain. Events like this provide an important forum to share insight, strengthen relationships and address the operational challenges facing UK manufacturers working in performance-critical environments.
During the event, Expromet showcased the Group’s current manufacturing capabilities, including a site tour of our state-of-the-art CNC machining facility. Expromet CEO Rob Guest also highlighted the Group’s recent acquisition of Tiverton Fabrications, a strategic move that strengthens our offering and creates further synergy as demand across the UK defence supply chain continues to grow.
Collaboration with primes and Tier 1 manufacturers
The event welcomed representatives from across the defence landscape for a full day of discussion and knowledge sharing, focused on the realities of working within complex, highly regulated supply chains.
Presentations were delivered by industry leaders including Mark W. of Babcock and John Loxton of Eaton, who shared perspectives on current programme requirements and highlighted the importance of trusted manufacturing partners in supporting delivery, compliance and long-term programme resilience.
Manufacturing partners for performance-critical sectors
Across the defence supply chain, manufacturing partners are expected to deliver more than components. Reliability, traceability, compliance and consistency at scale are critical.
By bringing together primes, Tier 1s and SMEs, this event reinforced the importance of collaboration across the supply chain and highlighted the role that experienced manufacturing groups such as Expromet play in supporting performance-critical defence programmes.
Why collaboration matters in performance-critical programmes
In defence manufacturing, performance is shaped as much by collaboration as it is by capability. Complex programmes depend on clear communication, aligned standards and trusted relationships across the supply chain — from SMEs through to primes and Tier 1s.
By creating space for open discussion between manufacturers and programme leaders, events like this help translate insight into practical action. They also reinforce the importance of experienced manufacturing partners who understand the regulatory, quality and delivery pressures of performance-critical environments.
Strong defence supply chains depend on partners who can contribute consistently, transparently and at scale, and who are committed to supporting UK capability over the long term.
