Daily Manufacturing News Digest – the industry stories you should be aware of today

Posted on 16 Feb 2026 by The Manufacturer

Each day The Manufacturer compiles the top manufacturing news stories from around the web and compiles them into this daily digest to make your life a little easier. Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back daily for all the latest manufacturing news.

Responsive Engineering celebrates apprentice-built Welding Academy

Responsive Engineering, the daughter company of Pearson Engineering, has marked National Apprenticeship Week with the unveiling of its new Welding Academy, a unique training space built almost entirely by its apprentices using repurposed and recycled materials. Read more via The Manufacturer

From learners to leaders: apprenticeships powering the next generation of aerospace

For ASG Aerospace, National Apprenticeship Week has served to reinforce the strategic importance of apprenticeships throughout its businesses in the UK and Germany. Read more via The Manufacturer

International Group launches aerospace and defence division to bolster critical supply chains

The International Group has announced the launch of International Aerospace & Defence Alloys (IADA) – a dedicated business focused on high-integrity alloys for aerospace and defence programmes. Read more via The Manufacturer

Helix Operations secures €13m in European export deals as overseas demand surges

A North Wales manufacturer of specialist equipment for working at height has secured a series of multi‑million‑pound export contracts across Europe and the Middle East, marking a major milestone in its international expansion. Read more via The Manufacturer

What does the rise in defence spending mean for UK manufacturing?

Dave Atkinson, UK Head of Manufacturing, SME & Mid Corporates at Lloyds, shares practical insights on how smaller manufacturers can successfully enter the defence supply chain. Read more via The Manufacturer