The UK is currently ranked as the eight biggest industrial nation in the world. What's more, if current rates of growth continue, it's predicted that the country will enter the top five by the year 2021. An important aspect in continuing such growth is manufacturers embracing more advanced digital technology. This will allow them to monitor the data from machines more effectively through the use of sensors, allowing them to react in real-time.

The Global Database UK manufacturing industry B2B directory provides information on thousands of companies in the sector. We've used this regularly-updated data to put together a list of the current top performers in the industry. Take a look at the results below, and see if they're in line with your own predictions about the industry's biggest players.