Top 10 Best Hardware Manufacturers in Fylde

A Proud Manufacturing Heritage

The Fylde is best known to visitors for its golden beaches, Lytham's iconic windmill and the championship links of Royal Lytham and St Annes. Yet behind the seaside charm lies one of the most important advanced manufacturing regions in the United Kingdom. For decades, Fylde and the surrounding Lancashire area have built aircraft, nuclear fuel, precision components and heavy vehicles that are used around the world.

Hardware manufacturing here spans aerospace, defence, nuclear, automotive and electronics. These industries provide thousands of skilled jobs, support extensive local supply chains and drive innovation in materials, robotics and digital engineering. This guide highlights ten of the best hardware manufacturers based in or closely connected to the Fylde and the wider Lancashire manufacturing corridor.

Why Fylde Excels in Advanced Manufacturing

Several factors make the Fylde a manufacturing powerhouse. A long tradition of engineering apprenticeships ensures a steady supply of skilled workers. Excellent motorway links via the M55 and M6 connect factories to national and international markets. Research partnerships with Lancashire universities and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West accelerate the adoption of new technologies. Together, these strengths keep Fylde at the forefront of high-value engineering.

Top 10 Hardware Manufacturers in and Around Fylde

1. BAE Systems

BAE Systems at Warton and nearby Samlesbury is the region's flagship manufacturer. The sites are central to the production and support of the Typhoon fighter aircraft and contribute to the F-35 programme, while also playing a leading role in next-generation combat air development. Its presence sustains a vast network of local engineering suppliers.

2. Westinghouse Springfields

The Springfields site at Salwick, within the Fylde borough, has manufactured nuclear fuel for decades. Operated by Westinghouse, it produces fuel products for nuclear power stations, contributing to the UK's low-carbon energy supply and supporting highly skilled engineering and scientific careers.

3. Victrex

Victrex, based on the Fylde coast at Hillhouse near Thornton Cleveleys, is a global leader in high-performance PEEK polymers. Its advanced materials are used in aerospace, automotive, electronics and medical devices, replacing metals with lighter, stronger and more durable alternatives.

4. Leyland Trucks

Leyland Trucks in central Lancashire is one of the most advanced truck manufacturing plants in Europe. Its long history and lean production methods have made it a respected name in commercial vehicles, with many local suppliers contributing components to its assembly lines.

5. Safran Nacelles

Safran Nacelles in Burnley manufactures engine nacelle components for commercial aircraft. Its precision engineering and composite expertise strengthen Lancashire's position as a key part of the global aerospace supply chain.

6. Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick

Rolls-Royce's Barnoldswick site in Lancashire has a long association with jet engine development, dating back to the earliest days of British jet propulsion, and continues to contribute specialist engineering to the company's aerospace operations. It represents the high-value aerospace manufacturing that defines the county.

7. AMRC North West

The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West at Samlesbury helps manufacturers adopt robotics, automation and digital technologies. While primarily a research facility, it builds demonstrator hardware and production systems that Fylde firms can use to test new processes before investing.

8. Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi is one of Britain's greatest technology success stories, producing affordable single-board computers that are used in education, industry and hobby projects worldwide. Its devices are widely used in Fylde schools, colleges and engineering workshops for prototyping and automation.

9. Sony UK Technology Centre

The Sony UK Technology Centre is renowned for contract electronics manufacturing, including the assembly of Raspberry Pi computers. Its quality standards and flexible production capabilities demonstrate the strength of British electronics manufacturing.

10. Renishaw

Renishaw is a world leader in precision measurement, metrology and additive manufacturing systems. Its probes, laser calibration tools and metal 3D printing machines are used by aerospace and engineering firms, including suppliers serving Fylde's major manufacturers.

Trends Transforming Hardware Manufacturing

Industry 4.0 technologies are reshaping factory floors across Lancashire. Digital twins allow engineers to simulate products and processes before building them, while robotics and automation improve consistency and safety. Additive manufacturing is enabling lighter, more complex components, particularly in aerospace. Sustainability has also become a priority, with manufacturers investing in energy efficiency, recycling and low-carbon materials. Meanwhile, skills development through apprenticeships and technical education remains vital to sustain growth.

Opportunities for Local Suppliers and Talent

The presence of major manufacturers creates opportunities throughout the Fylde economy. Small engineering firms supply machined parts and specialist services, while logistics, IT and facilities companies support daily operations. For young people, apprenticeships with these employers offer a route into rewarding, well-paid careers. Businesses hoping to enter these supply chains should consider:

• Achieving relevant quality accreditations such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
• Investing in digital tools and traceability systems
• Building relationships through regional manufacturing networks
• Developing skills in composites, automation and inspection
• Demonstrating strong environmental and safety performance

Final Thoughts

The Fylde's manufacturing story is one of innovation, resilience and world-class engineering. From combat aircraft and nuclear fuel to advanced polymers and precision electronics, the companies above showcase the depth of hardware expertise in and around the area. As new technologies reshape manufacturing, the Fylde is well placed to remain a vital contributor to the UK's industrial future.