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.
China’s Chery in talks to build vehicles at JLR plants in the UK
China-headquartered Chery Automobile is in early-stage talks over a potential agreement to manufacture vehicles at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plants in the UK, a move that could provide a boost to domestic automotive output while strengthening the Chinese carmaker’s growing presence in the British market. Read more via The Manufacturer
Automation in Scottish whisky: robot dog monitors the ‘angel’s share’ at John Dewar & Sons
Bacardi-owned John Dewar & Sons is using a robotic dog, developed with Scottish research partners, to detect abnormal ethanol losses in whisky casks at scale—cutting waste, improving safety and sustainability, and showing how automation can enhance efficiency in traditional whisky making without interfering with craft or flavour. Read more via The Manufacturer
Cyber disruption, tariffs and restructuring drive 15.5% fall in UK vehicle production
UK vehicle production suffered a sharp decline in 2025 as manufacturers navigated disruption, restructuring and heightened trade uncertainty, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Read more via The Manufacturer
Iconic Airbus BelugaST readies for new mission in the UK
One of Airbus’ BelugaST aircraft, formally among the largest in the world, will be rehomed in the UK, with plans to turn it into a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) support facility at Airbus Broughton. Read more via The Manufacturer
WEAF to transition into ADS South West in regional integration move
The West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF), which operates on behalf of the South West’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, will transition to form ADS South West. Read more via The Manufacturer
