Top 10 Best Machinery Manufacturers in Oadby and Wigston

Machinery Manufacturing in and Around Oadby and Wigston

Leicester and its surrounding towns built their prosperity on machines. Knitting frames, hosiery machines, boot and shoe equipment and precision machine tools were all manufactured in the city, and that engineering heritage still shapes the region today. Businesses in Oadby and Wigston, from small fabricators in South Wigston to food producers and construction contractors, rely on dependable machinery to stay productive and competitive.

Choosing the right machinery manufacturer is a long-term decision. Equipment often stays in service for decades, so build quality, service support and the availability of spare parts matter as much as the purchase price. This guide introduces ten machinery manufacturers that are especially relevant to the borough.

The Value of Local and Regional Expertise

Working with manufacturers who have a presence in the Midlands offers practical benefits. Engineers can reach sites quickly, training can be delivered in person and parts can arrive the next day. Leicestershire also hosts some globally significant machinery plants, giving local businesses access to world-class technology on their doorstep.

The Top 10 Machinery Manufacturers for Oadby and Wigston

1. Caterpillar (Desford)

Caterpillar's Desford facility in Leicestershire is one of the company's key global manufacturing sites, producing track-type tractors and other heavy equipment. It is a major employer in the county and showcases advanced manufacturing at scale. Construction and quarrying businesses across the region trust Caterpillar's durability and extensive dealer support.

2. Taylor Hobson

Taylor Hobson is a Leicester-based pioneer in ultra-precision metrology, manufacturing surface and form measurement instruments used in optics, aerospace and automotive industries. Its history in the city stretches back more than a century. For precision engineers in Oadby and Wigston, Taylor Hobson represents world-class measurement technology developed locally.

3. Jones and Shipman

Jones and Shipman is a historic Leicester name in precision grinding machines, with a reputation built over generations of supplying toolrooms and engineering workshops. Its machines are still found in workshops throughout the Midlands. The brand reflects Leicester's long tradition of machine tool excellence.

4. JCB

JCB is one of the world's leading manufacturers of construction and agricultural machinery, headquartered in Staffordshire. Its backhoe loaders, excavators and telehandlers are a constant presence on building sites around the borough. JCB's innovations in hydrogen engines and electric compact machines are helping contractors cut emissions.

5. Perkins Engines

Perkins, based in Peterborough, designs and manufactures diesel and alternative fuel engines for agricultural, construction, power generation and industrial machinery. Its engines power equipment from hundreds of manufacturers worldwide. Perkins is valued for reliability and its global service network.

6. Brush

Brush, based in Loughborough, manufactures electrical machines such as generators and transformers used in power generation and industrial applications. Its engineering heritage in Leicestershire spans well over a century. Utilities and industrial operators rely on its heavy electrical equipment for critical infrastructure.

7. Atlas Copco

Atlas Copco is a global leader in compressors, vacuum solutions, power tools and industrial equipment. Its UK operations provide sales and service across the Midlands. Manufacturers in Oadby and Wigston often rely on its energy-efficient compressors, which can significantly reduce running costs.

8. Renishaw

Renishaw manufactures machine tool probes, calibration systems and metal additive manufacturing machines. Its products help factories achieve higher accuracy and less waste. Engineering firms upgrading CNC machinery frequently integrate Renishaw technology to boost precision.

9. Mazak UK

Yamazaki Mazak operates a major European manufacturing plant in Worcester, building CNC machine tools for customers across the UK and Europe. Its turning centres and machining centres are popular with subcontract engineers. The Worcester facility offers demonstrations and training within reach of Leicestershire businesses.

10. Komatsu UK

Komatsu's UK plant in the North East manufactures hydraulic excavators for European markets. The company is known for technology such as intelligent machine control, which helps operators work faster and more accurately. Groundworks contractors around Oadby and Wigston often weigh Komatsu against other major brands.

How to Choose a Machinery Manufacturer

Start with a clear understanding of your production needs, including throughput, tolerances, materials and future growth. Compare total cost of ownership rather than just purchase price, factoring in energy use, maintenance, downtime and resale value. Ask for demonstrations using your own parts or materials wherever possible.

• Check the manufacturer's service coverage in Leicestershire.
• Confirm parts availability and typical lead times.
• Explore training packages for operators and maintenance staff.
• Investigate finance and leasing options to protect cash flow.

Trends in Machinery Manufacturing

Digitalisation is transforming machinery. Connected machines now report performance data, enabling predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics. Automation and collaborative robots are becoming affordable for smaller manufacturers. Energy efficiency has become a priority as businesses look to cut costs and emissions, encouraging investment in variable speed drives, electric machinery and alternative fuels. Additive manufacturing is complementing traditional machining for complex components.

Skills remain a challenge, so manufacturers increasingly offer intuitive controls and digital training tools. Leicestershire's colleges and universities, including Loughborough, play an important role in supplying engineers for this changing landscape.

Final Thoughts

Machinery manufacturing is part of Leicestershire's DNA, from Taylor Hobson's precision instruments in Leicester to Caterpillar's tractors at Desford. For businesses in Oadby and Wigston, the ten companies above offer proven technology, strong support and a track record of reliability. Choose carefully, plan for the long term and your machinery will deliver value for years to come.