The i54 site situated near Wolverhampton has received a £6.25m government pledge aimed at creating new jobs and making the site the 'beating heart' of West Midland industry.
The sum will be used by the Black Country Enterprise Zone to improve infrastructure to the South Staffordshire Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering site, improving site access and strengthening nearby roads.
The latest cash injection was announced today, the same day the government announced its £415m national business support scheme.
It also comes just weeks after Jaguar Land Rover confirmed it is creating a £500m new engine plant which will create 1,400 jobs locally.
Tom Westley, Black Country LEP board member who lead for the Enterprise Zone said: “The Black Country LEP welcomes the announcement of the injection of an additional £6.25m for essential infrastructure to supply heavy duty electricity, undertake abnormal works to improve the stability and loadbearing capacity of some of the development plots and road improvements on i54 South Staffordshire.
“This investment will ensure the Black Country Enterprise Zone becomes the beating heart of a strategic cluster of advanced manufacturing companies.”
While visiting the Black Country Enterprise Zone, commercial secretary to the treasury Lord Deighton, said: “Quality infrastructure is key to creating a competitive economy and putting Britain at the front of the global race.
“That is why we have prioritised spending on infrastructure and set out a long term strategy to make sure the UK tackles decades of underinvestment.”
He added: “With the potential to create 6,000 jobs by 2020, the Black Country Enterprise Zone will give a huge boost to the area, attracting investment from around the country and beyond. But we have to prepare now and that means getting infrastructure right.”
