Top 10 Best Hardware Manufacturers in Cotswold

The Engineering Heart of the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is often celebrated for tourism and agriculture, but the region and its immediate surroundings also host some of Britain's most innovative engineering and hardware manufacturers. From precision metrology and consumer technology to aerospace components and electronics, these companies employ thousands of skilled people and export products worldwide.

The region's manufacturing strength draws on a long industrial history, particularly in the Stroud valleys, where water-powered mills once drove the wool and cloth trade. Today, that heritage has evolved into high-tech engineering, supported by skilled workforces, strong supply chains and access to universities and research centres. The manufacturers below represent the best of this tradition.

How We Selected These Manufacturers

We considered innovation, global reputation, technical expertise, contribution to the regional economy, quality standards and relevance to hardware and electronics manufacturing.

The Top 10 Hardware Manufacturers in Cotswold

1. Renishaw

Founded in 1973 and headquartered at Wotton-under-Edge on the Cotswold escarpment, Renishaw is a global leader in precision metrology, motion control, spectroscopy and additive manufacturing. Its probes and measurement systems are used by manufacturers worldwide to ensure accuracy, and it remains one of the region's most important employers.

2. Dyson

Dyson's research and development campus at Malmesbury, on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, is a powerhouse of engineering innovation. Its engineers develop advanced motors, batteries, robotics and consumer devices that are sold around the world.

3. Spirax Sarco

Headquartered in Cheltenham, Spirax Sarco is a global specialist in steam systems, thermal energy and fluid technology. Its hardware is used across food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and manufacturing industries.

4. Safran Landing Systems

Safran Landing Systems operates in Gloucester, designing and manufacturing landing gear systems for aircraft. Its presence continues the region's long-standing aerospace heritage.

5. Dowty Propellers

Dowty Propellers, based in Gloucestershire, designs and manufactures composite propeller systems for aircraft. Its products are used on regional airliners and military transport aircraft worldwide.

6. Kohler Mira

Kohler Mira, based in Cheltenham, is one of the UK's best-known shower manufacturers. Its electric and digital showers combine engineering, electronics and design for homes across the country.

7. Amphenol Trackwise Designs

Amphenol Trackwise Designs manufactures flexible printed circuit boards, including long-length flexible circuits used in electric vehicles, aerospace and medical applications.

8. MBE Systems

Cirencester-based MBE Systems designs and manufactures integrated engine management and powertrain control systems, serving motorsport and specialist automotive applications.

9. Cursey Technology

Also based in Cirencester, Cursey Technology provides contract electronics manufacturing, including PCB assembly and electro-mechanical builds, supporting businesses that need reliable production partners.

10. Stroud Plastics Company

Stroud Plastics Company offers technical injection moulding for the electronics and electrical sectors, producing precision components used in a wide range of hardware products.

Why the Region Supports Advanced Manufacturing

The Cotswolds and surrounding Gloucestershire benefit from strong transport links via the M4 and M5, proximity to research institutions, and a skilled engineering workforce. Clusters of aerospace, automotive and electronics companies create robust supply chains where specialist suppliers support larger manufacturers. Apprenticeship programmes and engineering colleges help sustain the talent pipeline.

The region's quality of life also helps manufacturers attract and retain highly skilled engineers who might otherwise gravitate to larger cities.

Manufacturing Trends

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is transforming how complex parts are produced, and Renishaw is one of the pioneers in metal additive systems. Electrification is reshaping automotive and aerospace engineering, increasing demand for power electronics, batteries and flexible circuits. Automation and digital twins are improving productivity, while sustainability is driving lighter materials and energy-efficient processes.

Supply chain resilience has also become a priority, encouraging some manufacturers to reshore production and strengthen relationships with UK-based suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can small businesses access contract manufacturing locally? Yes. Firms such as Cursey Technology and Stroud Plastics Company support businesses that need electronics assembly or moulded components without building their own production facilities.

Are there engineering career opportunities in the Cotswolds? Absolutely. Major employers regularly recruit engineers, technicians and apprentices, offering careers in globally significant industries without leaving the region.

Skills and Apprenticeships

Many of the region's manufacturers invest heavily in apprenticeships and graduate schemes, helping young people from Stroud, Cirencester, Gloucester and surrounding villages build engineering careers close to home. Programmes typically combine hands-on experience with college or university study, covering mechanical, electrical and software engineering disciplines.

Partnerships with local schools and colleges, open days and STEM outreach activities help inspire the next generation and ensure manufacturers can continue to innovate. This commitment to skills is a key reason the Cotswold area remains a competitive location for advanced manufacturing.

The wider supply chain benefits too. Smaller machine shops, electronics assemblers and tooling specialists across Gloucestershire and Wiltshire supply the larger manufacturers, creating a network of skilled employers throughout the region.

Conclusion

The Cotswolds combines picturesque landscapes with world-class engineering. From Renishaw's precision systems to specialist electronics manufacturers, the companies above demonstrate that innovative hardware manufacturing thrives in this corner of England.