Semiconductor Boom Creates New Opportunities for Aerospace Precision Engineering
The global semiconductor market is forecast to reach a record US$1.51 trillion in 2026, according to the latest figures from the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS), with demand for memory chips alone expected to surge by more than 250% year-on-year.
While much of the attention surrounding semiconductor growth focuses on chip designers and electronics manufacturers, the expansion is also creating significant opportunities throughout the advanced manufacturing supply chain, including specialist precision engineering businesses serving the semiconductor equipment sector.
For ASG AMF Engineering in Bromborough, part of ASG Aerospace, continued investment in machining capability for manufacturing umbilical chambers for the semiconductor industry and scientific equipment highlights the growing importance and rapid growth of this industry.
As semiconductor manufacturers race to expand production capacity to meet growing demand from artificial intelligence, data centres, automotive electronics and consumer technology, the need for precision-engineered components used within fabrication and processing equipment continues to increase.
Simon Kirkman, Managing Director of ASG AMF Engineering, believes the sector represents an important growth sector for UK manufacturing.
"The growth we're seeing in the semiconductor sector is another reminder that precision engineering remains at the heart of many of the world's most critical technologies," he said.
The latest WSTS forecast predicts global semiconductor revenues will increase by 90% during 2026, driven largely by unprecedented demand for advanced memory technologies supporting AI infrastructure and next-generation computing applications.
For UK manufacturers capable of machining complex components from challenging materials, the growth of the semiconductor sector provides an additional route to diversification and long-term resilience.
"One of the strengths of ASG AMF is our ability to transfer expertise between sectors. "The continued investment we've made in advanced machining technology, quality systems and engineering talent allows us to support customers operating at the very highest levels of manufacturing performance," Kirkman added.
"As global demand for semiconductors continues to grow, the equipment manufacturers supporting that expansion require suppliers who can consistently deliver precision and reliability. Those are capabilities that have always been central to our business."
While aerospace remains a core market for ASG Aerospace, the continued growth of adjacent high-technology sectors such as semiconductors demonstrates how advanced manufacturing businesses are increasingly supporting multiple strategic industries through shared engineering excellence.