Myth 1

There's no future for manufacturing in the uk

Manufacturing is changing, but it’s certainly not dead. Yes, the number of jobs on factory production lines in Britain has shrunk, but there are still around 4 million people who make a living from manufacturing, in big firms and small. And they do it in modern, clean and safe environments. What’s more, the variety of jobs has expanded. As well as people with engineering and technical skills, there’s a need for chemists, researchers, planners, designers, IT, sales and marketing specialists, and experts in finance and logistics. Plus, every firm needs people who are just good organizers and managers. Still not convinced? Well, here are a few facts that show how manufacturing is alive and kicking.

• The aerospace market is forecast to grow by at least 25% over the next 20 years to £250 billion a year.
• The pharmaceutical sector has a global market, mainly in the developed world, worth around £250 billion a year and a growth rate of 4%-5% a year.
• The medical equipment sector is estimated to be worth around £107 billion and set to expand at an annual rate of around 8%-10% in the next few years.
• Nanotechnology is on the march. A government grant of £90 million over six years is helping industry harness the commercial opportunities offered by micro and nanotechnologies.

Case study - Bentley Motors Ltd

From stars of the screen and the sports field to lottery winners and Arabian princes, when talk turns to luxurious, hi-tech cars; then talk inevitably turns to Bentley.

Currently nearing the end of a major £500 million investment plan, the past few years have seen Bentley Motors Limited embarking on an ambitious new car development programme; a project focused on designing and building Bentley cars that encapsulate the history and tradition of the company. This development is designed to further establish Bentley Motors Limited at the forefront of the global luxury car market.

The company’s factory in Crewe has its own engine build factory plus a team of more than 1000 highly skilled engineers and craftsmen that provide a world renowned in-house engineering and design capability. In addition, the Crewe plant also houses the company’s highly prestigious and globally celebrated bespoke service, ‘Mulliner’, that will individually design bodies and interiors to a customer’s own personal, commissioned requirements.

All this development, investment and expertise is helping Bentley Motors Limited not only compete with car makers from all over the world, but is reinforcing their reputation as world leaders in the design and manufacture of highly desired, luxury cars.