Colombia Metals’ first survey of 2017 shows that investment in precision engineering is at an 18-month high, demonstrating a good outlook for the sector.
The survey also reveals that precision engineers are increasingly optimistic over an increase in sales during the next year.
“A gradual return of confidence has characterised the precision engineering industry since the start of 2017. It is encouraging to see rising expectations of higher sales and investment in growth this year,” said David Stephenson, managing director of Columbia Metals.
But at the same time, he pointed out, now that Article 50 has been triggered precision engineers have grave concerns over the eventual effect of the UK’s departure from the EU.
“No terms have been negotiated yet but there is a real worry our departure will hinder our ability to export as competitively as we have done in the past,” he said.
Columbia Metals is a leading stockholder of copper and nickel alloys, stainless steel and titanium, supplying precision manufacturers in a wide range of industries