UK medtech specialist Europlaz believes the domestic medical device sector can push past global economic uncertainty and unlock new growth opportunities in 2026, driven by changing NHS priorities, shifting global trade dynamics and increased investment in UK manufacturing capability.
The Essex-based company, which provides contract manufacturing services for medical devices, says rising demand from the NHS for more sustainable and resilient supply chains is creating fresh momentum for domestic production. With the health service under pressure to cut carbon emissions across its procurement network, Europlaz expects more manufacturing activity to move closer to home.
The business is also seeing benefits from disruption in international trade. The introduction of US tariffs is diverting work away from some overseas competitors and towards UK-based suppliers with established regulatory approvals. In parallel, Europlaz reports increased interest from medtech start-ups that develop products and markets before looking to sell the technology to contract manufacturers capable of scaling production internationally.
Europlaz says it is well positioned to capitalise on these trends following a £4m investment programme completed over the past 12 months. The funding has been used to enhance cleanroom capability and expand the commercial team, supporting growth across both domestic and export markets. The strategy delivered a further 20% increase in revenue during 2025, taking total sales to £15.5m.
Rory O’Keeffe, commercial director at Europlaz, said the company was focused on opportunity rather than uncertainty. “Whilst the current trading conditions are testing, we prefer to look at where we can take advantage of changes in the global marketplace. The NHS is prioritising taking carbon out of its supply chain, so it makes sense to move production of products closer to home, and that plays directly to our strengths.”
Beyond immediate market conditions, Europlaz points to wider structural shifts shaping the global medtech landscape. Continued investment in automation and robotics across China and the Far East has transformed those regions into credible sources of high-quality medical devices, increasing competitive pressure on UK manufacturers. The company believes this underlines the need for greater adoption of automation domestically to support high-volume, cost-effective production.
Additional trends include efforts to bridge the gap between 3D printing in design and its use at production scale, as well as changes in the funding environment, with larger investments being directed towards pharmaceuticals and weight loss drugs. Europlaz notes that this can sometimes slow the development of new medical devices, increasing the importance of efficient manufacturing partnerships.
Sustainability is also becoming a growing priority, with increased interest in biopolymers for single-use medical devices. Europlaz says it is already running trials to support customers exploring more environmentally responsible materials.
Alongside technology and infrastructure, people remain central to the company’s growth plans. With recruitment costs rising, Europlaz is focusing on retaining and developing its 120-strong workforce through upskilling, internal mobility and leadership development, supported by a renewed commitment to apprenticeships and industrial placements.
Europlaz recently completed its latest FDA inspection and has seen AI-driven sales enquiries rise by 40% month-on-month, reinforcing its focus on regulatory compliance and its expanding role in supplying medical devices to the US market.
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