NORTH WEST – THE ‘POWERHOUSE’ OF UK MANUFACTURING

THE North West is officially the “powerhouse” of the UK’s manufacturing sector, employing around 315,000, accounting for 14.2% of total UK manufacturing output.

The region has seen the greatest growth in output within this sector, up from 12.7% in 2009, ahead of any other UK region, according to an analysis of official statistics by the manufacturing organisation EEF.
  
The EEF said the growth is being driven by a range of sectors, from food and drink to healthcare, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as aerospace and automotive.

     Left: Trooper Beer – enjoyed expoential export success

     In Stockport the likes of Robinsons Brewery have seen immense growth in
     export trade as their products are in greater demand overseas – helped
     along by the launch of Iron Maiden’s Trooper beer – already a hit across
     the Atlantic and over the Far East into Australia.  

     Hughes Safety Showers, another well established Stockport family
     business exports around the world – around 70% of sales come from
     overseas with further growth predicted in 2014.

     EEF’s North West director Darrell Matthews said:

     “Manufacturing has always been critical to the North West economy and
     the latest data only serves to underline its continued importance.

     “At a time when we need to rebalance our economy and export our way to
     economic growth, policymakers across the region need to recognise its
importance and do all they can to boost investment in our manufacturing base. Not only will this sustain the current levels of employment but help create the high value, high skill jobs we urgently need.”