We started 2017 from an optimistic viewpoint, inspired by good news from The Office of National Statistics (ONS), Markit/CIPS purchasing managers' index (PMI) and conversations with our clients.  As we reach the halfway point of 2017, we’re pleased to be celebrating a successful six months for Donwood Glass and the UK manufacturing industry as a whole.

There has been some uncertainty in the political and international climate over the last six months but we’re delighted to see our sector maintaining focus and working hard to drive business and the regional economy forward.

Since the start of the year, the Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has been adjusted and it shows a three-year high of 57.3 in April, up from March’s four-month low of 54.2. Add to this the fact that UK manufacturing has been boosted by a surge in demand for British goods and 2017 is looking like a great year for manufacturing.

More good news comes from the Northern Powerhouse initiative which has opened up new opportunities for manufacturers which should re-adjust the economic imbalance and attract investment into northern cities and towns.

As long-established manufacturing company with more than 30-years under our belts, we’re glad to see that the industry still on the up.  It’s really encouraging to see that trends are increasing; it will certainly give manufacturing companies the boost to continue through the latter half of 2017 with confidence.

Here at Donwood, we’ve heard great news stories from many of our customers and have noticed a growing demand for glass products. We’ve been putting our new technology and equipment to the test and will soon be looking to grow our team to meet increasing demand. We’re particularly pleased with the progress on our personnel block which is really shaping up and we hope to welcome you there soon. 

We’re looking forward to the second half of 2017 and hope to see continued growth across the manufacturing industry - and particularly we hope it’s a successful few months for you too.