In the second quarter, UK manufacturing activity continues to gain momentum, in contrast to the broader global environment, which faces ongoing conflict and disruption.
The themes we get from our industry news on socials:
Recovery from these global events is expected to be gradual and uneven, as volatility persists from Hormuz to the Red Sea and throughout the Middle East. This geopolitical instability, combined with unpredictable energy and input costs, adds further uncertainty.
The manufacturing industry is adjusting to this situation, as it has to continue planning and fulfilling new orders (as market demand remains strong) by making selective investments in various capabilities. These involve managing buffer stock, improving supply chain visibility, and maintaining ongoing compliance, along with using AI-assisted planning and flexible logistics to adopt a more resilient, rather than reactive, strategy and set of capabilities.
This is what supply chain volatility currently looks like: the yo-yo'ing of the Hormuz shipping disruption.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) April 2, 2026
It means: daily diversions & overloaded ports.
Are you equipped with a supply chain that redesigns around current flows and maintain service?
⇢ https://t.co/1Xr9zXQycv
UK Manufacturing PMI March:
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) April 9, 2026
Demand holds up well: New orders continue rise for 4th month, with concurrent export upturn
Supply chains lengthen: 4.5 year high, Middle East and Hormuz having key impact
Input costs up: Highest since 2022 Q3, with spikes in energy & associated costs pic.twitter.com/Lkf8y2oh7Q
Workforce pressure is becoming a supply chain risk, with key structural problems facing logistics recruitment and retention.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) April 15, 2026
Fewer skilled workers, higher churn, skill gaps. These kill your flexibility and reliability.
Timewise report, More than miles ⇢ https://t.co/nAX5b9b75c pic.twitter.com/24kD0MXd2u
The UK economy has encouraging underlying growth, with the recent +0.5% adding to successive positive months.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) April 17, 2026
Geopolitical turmoil is the macro-factor holding it back.
More ⇢ https://t.co/6E98CTiO3f pic.twitter.com/X9nO4ztQRh
MHI's newly released annual supply chain report, Rewiring the Future, lists the current top supply chain company challenges as:
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) April 20, 2026
➊ Talent & workforce challenges
➋ Accurate forecasting & inventory management
➌ Meeting evolving customer demands
More ⇢ https://t.co/eMal1fGTq9
Happy Earth Day, 2026.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) April 22, 2026
We think better systems mean lower impact and stronger supply chains.
We also measure and reduce our climate emissions with partner, Ecologi.
More on Earthday ⇢ https://t.co/2ufsMj7s7i
Our impact ⇢ https://t.co/RuOKdiwpuZ pic.twitter.com/IKQmTp5I3A
The best OEMs and logistics firms study supply chain change.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) April 24, 2026
The MIT Supply Chains Podcast has expert conversation including on supply chain decarbonisation, upskilling, AI, sustainability and automation.
Keep relevant with your decision-making ⇢ https://t.co/dZzMOliw3z pic.twitter.com/E13jQFM6RV
Predicted adoption of supply chain technologies within 5 years (MHI report):
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) April 29, 2026
(Ordered by impact)
AI > Advanced Analytics > Cloud Computing > Internet of Things/Sensors > Robotics & Automation > Wearable & Mobile Technology > Autonomous Vehicles & Drones > Humanoid Robotics pic.twitter.com/ikhkZOQ0pN
April Manufacturing PMI highest in almost 4 yrs.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) May 6, 2026
– Production growth continues as output increased 6x in 7 months
– OEMs are buying earlier due to expected supply disruptions & price inflation
– Geopolitical instability, freight disruption and input cost inflation pressures pic.twitter.com/YqbV1W5z5p
Global disruption exposes five mistakes in OEM supply chains.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) May 8, 2026
Read our latest blog post and discover why operational control matters more than the current go-to supply chain strategy.
⇢ https://t.co/1Z1pxIWdk0 pic.twitter.com/0HxUSJqMfQ
A new Guardian article flags the 'biggest energy shock' in modern history, along with supply shortages, yet markets are sanguine.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) May 12, 2026
Even if resolved tomorrow, the global supply chain will take months to recover.
What's your disruption plan?
Article ⇢ https://t.co/bVi22pKkUe
ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are part of the operational infrastructure we've built to deliver the highest uptime, zero line-downs, and OTD performance.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) May 15, 2026
We've been recertified in these quality management and environmental responsibility standards for 2026. ⇢ https://t.co/U2LZy5d0eH pic.twitter.com/I1rYSFATjq
An industrial tracker for UK manufacturing to drive change and monitor ambitious goals:
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) May 22, 2026
MAKE UK's initiative is a useful way to track industrial policy, funding and practical measures that help the sector.
Check the tracker ⇢ https://t.co/3BcBiEQtgM pic.twitter.com/uFaBB4j9VF
MAKE UK reports 46% of manufacturers believe the planning system is holding back growth.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) May 27, 2026
Can't expand the building? For OEMs, that can mean moving more inventory control, kitting & sub-assembly off-site, freeing factory floor space.
More in the report ⇢ https://t.co/7ifdcetJQn
The export figures from Asia look spectacular. Yet they're hiding a China shock. Take out AI chips, and Taiwan's exports have fallen ~40% since 2022; battery and chemical plants run at 1/2 capacity.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) May 29, 2026
Resilient-looking supply can be fragile.
⇢ https://t.co/zLhQOBVjjq pic.twitter.com/ynh5uZLGXs
A 4-year high of 53.9 for Manufacturing PMI in May, but uncertainty remains.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 1, 2026
– OEMs rebuild buffers
– Operating conditions becoming buoyant
– Input costs still climbing
– Continuity risk rises
PMI report ⇢ https://t.co/0m3STJ4fra pic.twitter.com/UFKHSuWyjh
Compliance must become an operational capability, not simply a paperwork exercise.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 3, 2026
As trade/freight requirements become more data-dependent, manufacturers need confidence in product records, batch traceability and supplier documentation.
More ⇢ https://t.co/NGKHnwt4WK pic.twitter.com/Mp8qa5f3fl
A useful briefing for OEM procurement teams:
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 5, 2026
The latest on port and delivery pressures across the continent, along with news on new customs arrangements (digital carnets and e-commerce customs rules for lower-value shipments).
June update from Maersk ⇢ https://t.co/Fp2eyFMukK
MHI's digital warehouse interactive, allows you to see how modern material handling works together for receiving, storage, picking, packing, sorting, and shipping
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 8, 2026
Connect them correctly, and you increase value, flow, and productivity
⇢ https://t.co/03evs8ppiA pic.twitter.com/e8j4yLajIi
Where does AI improve your OEM operations?
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 10, 2026
Only 7% have applied it to the supply chain and logistics so far, according to the latest MakeUK report
At Acorn, we're already embedding AI to support our expert staff & enhance inventory operations
More ⇢ https://t.co/nXOAMVLx72
May UK Manufacturing PMI briefing indicates a four-year high of 53.9.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 17, 2026
Lead times are lengthening, with input costs also near a 4y high.
The result: companies are keeping stock at hand.
(Remember with us you can get the buffer without using your floor space). pic.twitter.com/5QEce0DipB
Five mistakes most OEMs make under supply chain pressure
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 19, 2026
Mistake 1: Inflated inventory lowers visibility
Mistake 2: Multiplying suppliers without supply knowledge
Other 3 in the post.
Global Disruption Exposes Five OEM Supply Chain Mistakes ⇢ https://t.co/1Z1pxIWdk0 pic.twitter.com/kOdZgoGbBh
Supply chains don't return to normal in a straight line, but with the latest US-Iran ceasefire, we should start to see pressure being relieved in stages.
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 22, 2026
Strong OEM supply chains are designed for recovery periods.
More ⇢ https://t.co/FrIDSbc4qI
What would Andy Burnham as PM mean for UK manufacturing?
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 26, 2026
He's previously focussed on "reindustrialising the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution" centred around advanced materials and manufacturing, low-carbon technologies, et al.
Positive signs ⇢ https://t.co/9cfvDJGqTI
Make UK's take on the national industrial strategy, one year on:
— Acorn IC (@Acorn_IC) June 30, 2026
55% of manufacturers haven't seen benefits. But support is strong. The sector wants policy and strategy sped up.
OEMs are hungry for less talk and more obvious action.
Full paper ⇢ https://t.co/MItTz7Ti8k pic.twitter.com/xJprGU3YYu
