Altus Sees Record Start to 2026 as UK And Ireland Electronics Sector Gains Momentum

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Altus Group has reported its strongest first quarter on record, continuing the positive momentum seen throughout 2025, as electronics manufacturers across the UK and Ireland increase investment in production capacity and capability.

Altus recorded growth across a broad customer base during Q1, with activity spread across multiple technologies and suppliers. The performance reflects a wider uplift in confidence across the region, particularly within EMS-dominated markets where flexibility and sector diversity support more stable demand.

Joe Booth, CEO at Altus, said: “Our Q1 performance has been driven by a wide range of customers investing across different process areas, rather than a small number of large projects. That level of activity suggests increasing confidence in order books and a willingness to commit to capital investment over the next one to four years.”

While the UK and Ireland are not traditionally seen as leading global manufacturing regions, recent activity indicates a shift. In the UK, continued investment in defence and defence-related technologies is contributing to increased demand for high-reliability electronics manufacturing. Growth in areas such as communications systems is also supporting production, driven by the need for connectivity across increasingly complex applications.

In Ireland, strength in medical technology manufacturing remains a key driver. The combination of a skilled workforce, established multinational presence, and strategic access to UK, EU and US markets continues to support ongoing investment in electronics production.

Joe said: “We are seeing a consistent level of demand across the UK and Ireland, which reflects the underlying strength of the region’s electronics manufacturing base. The diversity of the EMS market, combined with growth in sectors such as defence and medical, is creating a more resilient environment for investment.”

Alongside market factors, Altus has continued to invest in its internal capabilities to support customers. This includes expansion of its aftersales team, enhancements to its demonstration facilities, and a more regionally structured approach to account management, providing dedicated engineering support and improving responsiveness.

The company has also strengthened its portfolio of equipment suppliers, enabling it to support a wider range of manufacturing processes and position itself as a single-source partner for electronics production equipment. This has all contributed to a strong start to the year.