Advanced Manufacturing

Today, that heritage is reflected in an advanced manufacturing sector which supports 26,800 jobs, contributes £2.3bn to the economy, and leads the country in several key areas.

With almost 70 per cent of all manufacturing jobs being in the metals, machinery, materials and automotive sectors, the Marches punches far above its weight on the national and international stage in these areas.

Our manufacturing sector supports 26,800 jobs contributing 2.3bn to the UK economy.

The manufacture of basic metals, for example, is over three times as specialised in the Marches as in Great Britain generally, whilst our motor vehicles and machinery manufacturers are both more than twice as specialised as competitors around the country.

Over 70% of our manufacturing jobs involve metals, machinery, materials and automotive.

As a result, the Marches is home to some of the biggest names in the sector, including Special Metals, Ricoh, BAE and GKN.

It also forms an integral part of the West Midlands automotive supply chain with a range of Tier 2 and 3 companies supplying large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with parts including batteries, light weighting and composites.

Our record of innovation means these firms will help lead the way in the all-important transition to electric and autonomous regions – something the Marches LEP will be at the forefront of supporting.

Key Sectors

Well established sectors in the Marches with high productivity and high levels of employment and specialisation.

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Enabling Sectors

High employment, with significant entry level jobs and services vital to our economy, with different productivity or growth challenges.

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KEY SECTORS:

Advanced Manufacturing

With its central role as the home of the first industrial revolution at Ironbridge, the Marches has a long and proud history of engineering innovation.

Over 70% of our manufacturing jobs involve metals, machinery, materials and automotive.

Key Sectors

Enabling Sectors

KEY SECTORS:

Advanced Manufacturing

With its central role as the home of the first industrial revolution at Ironbridge, the Marches has a long and proud history of engineering innovation.