On Tuesday, we attended the latest JOSCAR Live defence event, joining procurement professionals and fellow approved suppliers to focus on one of the biggest challenges facing the sector: how to build and maintain a resilient, British-led supply chain for defence.
As a UK-based CNC machining specialist with over three decades of experience, we see daily how critical it is for defence programmes to have reliable, local manufacturing partners they can depend on – especially for complex, low-volume and time-sensitive work.
Why defence needs robust UK manufacturing support
Recent years have exposed the fragility of long, global supply chains. Logistical bottlenecks, unpredictable lead times and geopolitical uncertainty can all delay critical components reaching the point of need. For defence buyers and programme managers, this isn’t just inconvenient, it can pose real risk to availability, readiness and cost control.
Working with UK manufacturers helps to:
- Shorten supply chains and reduce exposure to overseas disruption
- Speed up communication between engineers, buyers and suppliers
- Improve agility when drawings change or urgent spares are required
- Keep technical know-how, jobs and investment within the UK
These themes ran through many of the conversations we held at JOSCAR, as buyers looked for practical ways to strengthen their supplier base with proven British partners.
Tarvin Precision’s role in the UK defence supply chain
Tarvin Precision supports defence customers with CNC machining parts and assemblies from our facility in Deeside, serving programmes across the UK. Our focus is on high-mix, low-volume and prototype work – exactly the kind of manufacturing that often causes bottlenecks when outsourced too far from the point of use.
Typical support includes:
- Precision CNC machining of complex, tight-tolerance components
- Prototypes, spares and pre-production batches
- Small-batch and repeat low-volume production
- Collaborative engineering support to refine manufacturability
Because we operate as an agile, responsive supplier, we can adapt quickly when requirements change, or when a one-off or small quantity of parts is needed at short notice. That flexibility is increasingly valuable as defence programmes look to de-risk their supply chains without compromising on quality or traceability.
Quality, Traceability and Security Built In
A resilient defence supply chain isn’t only about geography and capacity – it must also be underpinned by rigorous systems and controls
Tarvin Precision’s capabilities are supported by:
- AS9100-certified quality management
- Cyber Essentials Plus cyber security certification
- Successful audits from primes such as Raytheon, evidencing robust processes and governance
These frameworks ensure that drawings, models and technical data are handled securely, and that every component we produce is backed by controlled processes, inspection and documentation. For defence customers, that means they can strengthen their UK supplier base for AS9100 machining without compromising on compliance or assurance.
Flying the Flag as a Made in Britain Manufacturer
We’re also proud to be members of Made in Britain, reflecting our commitment to UK manufacturing and to supporting a strong industrial base for the future.
Bringing work back to British suppliers offers tangible advantages:
- Greater transparency and control over supply chain risk
- Reduced transport miles and associated environmental impact
- Stronger collaboration between design, production and procurement
- Long-term investment in UK skills and advanced manufacturing capability
Events like JOSCAR Live give us the opportunity to demonstrate that British SMEs are not just competitive, but an essential part of a robust, modern defence supply chain.