Castings Technology, the UK’s leading manufacturer of complex, high-integrity titanium and steel castings, is creating 20 new jobs in South Yorkshire as it scales up to meet rising demand from the global aerospace industry.

Currently based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, the company is recruiting across all levels — from the factory floor to senior leadership — as part of ambitious growth plans.

Headcount has grown from 65 in 2024 to 103 by the end of 2025, with the latest recruitment drive set to take the workforce to 123 by the close of 2026. Roles span production, quality, technical and commercial functions, with recruitment phased throughout the year as production capacity increases to serve OEM customers in the UK, Europe and the United States.

Titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and heat tolerance make it indispensable in aerospace. Demand for titanium castings is currently outpacing global supply. Castings Technology remains the UK’s only commercial titanium investment casting facility.

The expansion forms part of an £18 million investment programme, which includes relocating to a fully refurbished, state-of-the-art 200,000 sq ft facility in Sheffield by late 2026.

The growth comes against a backdrop of significant workforce challenges in manufacturing. A recent industry survey found that 97 per cent of UK manufacturers cite hiring and retaining skilled staff as a major barrier to growth. In response, Castings Technology appointed Curtis Oxborough as Training and Development Manager in autumn 2025. Under his leadership, the business has achieved a zero dropout rate among new starters, supported by a comprehensive induction process and tailored staff development.

The company currently has 10 apprentices and plans to offer at least two more apprenticeship opportunities in 2026. Thirteen members of the current workforce, including three directors, began their careers as apprentices — a reflection of Castings Technology’s long-term commitment to developing talent from within. Apprenticeships span a wide range of disciplines, from technical roles to Level 3 leadership programmes, and are used both to attract entry-level talent and nurture future leaders.

Managing Director Richard Cook said:

“This investment in our workforce reflects the confidence our global customers have in our capabilities. We’re building a team that can deliver the precision and quality aerospace manufacturers demand, while creating meaningful careers in advanced manufacturing at a time when the sector faces real skills challenges.”

Chief Commercial Officer Shaun Smith added:

“Demand for titanium castings continues to exceed capacity, and these new roles allow us to serve growing aerospace markets across three continents. We’re particularly proud that many of our senior team, including myself, our Managing Director Richard Cook and our Chief Operating Officer Ryan Longden, started our careers as apprentices. We’re creating genuine career pathways in a critical UK industry.”