Top global names have announced deals that will shape the future of British engineering.
The deals were unveiled at the British Business Embassy on advanced engineering excellence being held in London today.
The news comes as a massive boost to UK engineering, with many well-established companies looking to invest into the UK, creating thousands of new jobs.
Advanced manufacturing campuses will be created by Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing and MARKET-MATS in Herefordshire, creating over 1,000 new jobs.
Airbus announced a new recruitment drive, taking on 169 apprentices and 600 new employees this year.
Another 25 jobs will be created by the space satellite work being carried out by Cella Energy.
A new steel forge will be built in Lincoln by Bifrangi, creating 50 jobs and Pirelli Group announced an investment of £20m, creating 37 jobs.
GKN, Precision Technologies Group and BGS International also announced further investment and expansion.
The UK remains one of the leading names in global manufacturing with companies such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GKN, JCB, Caterpillar, Ford, BMW, Toyota, Nissan and Honda making Britain their manufacturing home.
Some of these companies had representatives at the summit who participated in a panel-led discussion on how to develop and grow engineering excellence in the UK.
John Martin, SVP, manufacturing & supply chain management, Nissan Europe said: “The reason we come to the UK is because there is a very deep and wide pool of heritage in manufacturing. Although manufacturing is just one part of the supply chain; we come here because of the engineering talent too.”
Colin Smith CBE, director engineering & technology, Rolls-Royce said: “If you look at the growth in UK manufacturing, it has been fuelled by innovation.”
Mike Wright, executive director, Jaguar Land Rover said: “The UK has got a fantastic reputation overseas for its design and engineering capabilities. The fact we are based here in the UK and associated with high quality is something our customers really identify with.”
Roland Aurich, CEO, Siemens, UK & North West Europe agreed: “The heritage of the UK is attractive.”
Business roundtables will take place later this afternoon on the UK’s position in the global aerospace market and how to develop a sustainable automotive industry.
Watch the panel discuss UK excellence below.
