Published - 19th Dec 2025
Delivering fully traceable, UK-manufactured castings and assemblies for defence and aerospace systems.
In the defence sector, performance is critical. Every component for land, sea or air must deliver absolute reliability under the most demanding conditions. From operational safety to mission success, precision engineering is at the heart of every system.
Metal castings play a vital role in meeting these expectations. OEMs, Primes and Tier 1 defence manufacturers rely on precision castings to offer the strength, accuracy and repeatability needed for complex, performance-critical assemblies across defence applications.
At Haworth Castings, part of Expromet Technologies Group, we manufacture high-integrity metal castings that meet the rigorous standards required in the defence industry. Working alongside our sister companies Investacast and Metaltech Precision we provide a complete manufacturing service from casting, machining and welding through to finishing and assembly – a single, trusted source for defence manufacturers, offering proven expertise and end-to-end control.
Precision castings are fundamental to the performance and safety of modern defence systems. They enable engineers to design strong yet lightweight components that perform consistently under extreme conditions, including under severe pressure, intense temperature, and corrosive marine environments.
At Haworth Castings, we produce components for defence applications across land, sea and air, combining metallurgical expertise with exacting quality control. Our castings are used in a wide variety of mission-critical systems, including:
Air
Components for advanced aerospace and ordnance systems where strength-to-weight ratio, accuracy and repeatability are essential. Applications include flight recorder housings, hard backs and propulsion systems.
Land
Defence vehicles and ground-based systems depend on cast and machined parts that can withstand heavy loads and constant mechanical stress. We produce structural elements such as hydraulic steering casings, trolleys, bearing shells and de-mining equipment, as well as weapon and handling systems.
Sea
In marine and naval environments, corrosion resistance and endurance are critical. We manufacture precision sand castings and gravity die castings for communication and detection systems, cooling equipment, hinges and valves, using alloys such as LM25 and AB2 to ensure long service life in harsh conditions.
Each of these applications demands strength, dimensional accuracy and full traceability, achieved through advanced casting processes and meticulous process control. By combining decades of foundry expertise with modern simulation, testing and inspection methods, Haworth Castings ensures that every component performs as designed, every time.
Defence components must deliver consistent performance under severe mechanical and thermal loads. At Haworth Castings, our expertise in sand casting and gravity die casting enables us to achieve that consistency with precision and repeatability.
Sand casting
Sand casting remains one of the most adaptable processes for defence components. It allows the production of complex geometries and large parts such as launcher housings, fan impellers and vehicle brackets. Using high-quality bonded sand and in-house core manufacture, we achieve accurate internal features and excellent dimensional control. The process is particularly effective for low to medium production volumes where design flexibility and custom alloy selection are essential.
Gravity die casting
For higher-volume or more dimensionally sensitive parts, Gravity die casting provides uniform density, smooth surface finishes and consistent mechanical properties. The gravity die casting process is ideal for medium-sized components such as hydraulic casings and valves. By using durable steel moulds and tightly controlled cooling, we ensure stability and long service life even in demanding operational environments.
Both processes are supported by advanced simulation, melt analysis and inspection systems. This ensures every casting meets its required tolerances and performs reliably in service, whether in propulsion systems, radar units or vehicle assemblies.
Read about metal castings and how to choose the right castings process here.
As part of Expromet Technologies Group, Haworth Castings shares a broader manufacturing network offering a full range of engineering solutions for the defence sector. Together, the group’s companies provide a seamless route from metal manufacture to finished assembly, offering a wide range of capabilities:
Casting
High-integrity components produced in a wide range of alloys and sizes, with in-house core manufacture and precision finishing. Haworth Castings supplies high-integrity sand and gravity die castings, ensuring strength and accuracy in core structural and mechanical components. Sister company Investacast delivers investment casting and pressure die casting for highly intricate or high-volume components.
Machining
Expromet has over sixty CNC machines across the Group, including sliding-head, fixed-head and vertical turning centres, supported by advanced production scheduling systems for accuracy and efficiency. Metaltech Precision provides a full range of high-accuracy CNC machining, sliding-head turning and fabrication of precision parts and assemblies.
This combination of capabilities gives defence manufacturers access to multiple metal forming processes, combined with access to Expromet’s in-house technical expertise, extensive UK manufacturing capabilities, and global supply chain solutions.
The core aim of Expromet Technologies Group is to deliver performance, reliability and value for customers in critical industries. For OEMs and Tier 1 defence manufacturers, this integrated structure offers strategic advantages that go far beyond technical capability.
JOSCAR-accredited defence suppliers
Haworth Castings, Investacast and Metaltech Precision are all JOSCAR-accredited defence suppliers. For aerospace and defence buyers, supplier choice is not just about technical capability — it also demands trust, compliance and supply chain resilience. JOSCAR suppliers meet strict standards in quality, compliance and risk management, helping OEMs, Primes and Tier 1 suppliers in the defence sector streamline procurement and reduce supply chain risk.
Supporting lifecycle defence manufacturing
Haworth Castings’ production model, as with each Expromet company, supports defence projects with scalable production requirements up to volume manufacture and long-term spares supply. Our engineering teams work closely with customers using design for manufacture (DfM) techniques to optimise performance and cost, helping to streamline production and reduce time to market while maintaining full compliance with defence standards.
Commitment to sustainable engineering
Expromet Technologies Group also recognises its responsibility to operate sustainably. The Group has invested in sand recycling systems, solar PV installations, biomass heating and lean manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact without compromising quality or performance.
By combining engineering excellence with operational flexibility and environmental responsibility, Expromet continues to deliver solutions that align with the long-term objectives of defence manufacturers and government procurement frameworks.
Quality, traceability and compliance
In defence manufacturing, quality and traceability are non-negotiable. At Haworth Castings, for example, our systems are designed to ensure complete confidence in every part we produce. Every component must be fully verified from the moment metal is melted to the final stage of inspection.
Quality control
We maintain rigorous process controls at every stage of production. Each alloy batch is checked for chemical composition using spectrographic analysis, and molten metal quality is verified through temperature and degassing control before pouring. Dimensional accuracy is assured using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) and other precision inspection equipment, while surface integrity is validated through non-destructive testing methods including radiographic (X-ray), dye penetrant and ultrasonic inspection.
These practices are supported by formal quality certifications and sector approvals. Haworth Castings is ISO 9001 certified and operates UKAS-approved testing, meeting the stringent expectations of customers in the defence, aerospace and energy sectors. As a JOSCAR-registered supplier, we are pre-qualified to supply into Ministry of Defence programmes, ensuring full transparency and compliance with industry and government standards.
Full documentation
Every casting is accompanied by complete documentation, from material certificates to dimensional and test reports, giving defence manufacturers total traceability throughout the production cycle. This commitment to process discipline and quality assurance allows our customers to focus on performance, confident that their components will meet specification and deliver dependable results.
For OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers operating within complex quality frameworks, seamless data exchange is essential. We provide full documentation and inspection records in customer-specified digital formats, ensuring smooth integration with FAIR, PPAP and other OEM quality management systems. This approach supports transparent communication, accelerates approvals and simplifies audit processes across multi-tier supply chains.
Security of supply is a critical consideration for defence manufacturers. Programmes that operate under government or Ministry of Defence oversight require components to be sourced from trusted, traceable and compliant suppliers. Working with a UK-based foundry such as Haworth Castings gives procurement teams the confidence that production is carried out to recognised standards and within secure, auditable supply chains.
Operating from our facilities in Hampshire, we provide the assurance of full material traceability, strict process control and direct communication throughout every project. Our UK location enables responsive lead times, consistent quality and close collaboration with customers, helping to mitigate the risks often associated with offshore manufacturing.
As part of Expromet Technologies Group, we also offer the flexibility of international production if required. The Group’s global network of approved manufacturing partners allows us to support hybrid sourcing models that combine UK quality oversight with competitive production options. This approach maintains the integrity and traceability expected of UK defence suppliers while ensuring that customers can meet commercial and logistical objectives.
By uniting domestic capability with managed international resources, Haworth Castings and the wider Group provide a balanced and resilient supply chain for defence manufacturers. Customers can rely on us for consistent quality, cost efficiency and supply continuity, all backed by the assurance of UK-based engineering excellence.
Read How to choose a metal castings supplier for a broader context on casting methods and the selection of suitable suppliers.
Precision castings remain fundamental to the success of modern defence systems. Whether in air, land or sea applications, their strength, reliability and dimensional accuracy are vital to ensuring mission success and operational safety.
At Haworth Castings, we combine more than 70 years of foundry expertise with modern process control, advanced testing and the strength of Expromet Technologies Group. Working together, we provide a complete, integrated service for the defence sector — from casting and machining to fabrication, assembly and finishing. Every component is produced to the highest standards of quality and traceability, backed by the assurance of UK-based manufacturing and group-wide engineering excellence.
Defence programmes demand stability and consistency over many years. At Haworth Castings, we focus on building lasting relationships with our customers, providing dependable supply and ongoing technical support throughout the life of a programme. Our commitment to partnership and continuous improvement ensures that OEMs, Primes and Tier 1s can rely on us as a trusted manufacturing partner, capable of adapting to evolving requirements while maintaining the highest standards of precision and compliance.
If you are looking for a trusted partner to support your next defence programme, our team is ready to help. Contact us to discuss how our precision castings and integrated manufacturing solutions can support your defence requirements.
If you have a project, talk to our experienced sales team
Contact usAccess our library of aluminium sand casting photographs, video animations and articles.
