Manufacturing
Manufacturing is a major generator of wealth for the Northwest,
producing more GVA per employee than any other broad industrial
grouping in the region. In fact, in terms of GVA it is the largest
manufacturing region in the UK. The sector also accounts for a
large proportion of employment in the Northwest and makes a
significant contribution towards the region’s balance of trade.
Manufacturing is the full cycle of activities, from research,
design, development, production, logistics, after sales service,
maintenance/repair, to end-of-life management. It includes the
Advanced Engineering & Materials sector (which covers Advanced
Flexible Materials, Aerospace, Automotive, Chemicals) and the Food
& Drink sector as well as General Manufacturing.
The Manufacturing Strategy &
Action Plan for England’s Northwest 2009 provides a
framework for the development of manufacturing in the
Northwest.
The NWDA supports the advanced manufacturing sector through the
Manufacturing Advisory Service and a number of cluster
organisations: