A new report from Project MADE (Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem) has outlined an ambitious vision to transform the West Midlands into a global advanced manufacturing supercluster by 2035. The plan aims to create 50,000 new jobs and deliver £44bn in annual output.
Key targets and recommendations
The initiative targets five per cent compound annual growth and £1.6bn in manufacturing investment. Four key recommendations include stimulating customer demand, creating unified investment propositions, addressing structural barriers, and delivering 15,000 AI and automation-skilled workers to close the region's 'automation gap'.
Regional collaboration
Regional stakeholders such as Unipart Manufacturing, HORIBA MIRA, and the West Midlands Combined Authority have united behind the 10-year growth plan. The report proposes establishing a new governing body to coordinate the diverse manufacturing ecosystem.
Mayor Richard Parker said: 'Making things is what the West Midlands has done brilliantly for centuries, and that remains central to our economic revival as technology transforms industry.' He pledged to help turn the recommendations into 'tens of thousands of new jobs'.
Current context
The West Midlands currently produces more manufactured goods than Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Liverpool City Region combined. However, the sector faces critical supply chain distress and chronic under-investment in automation. Without urgent coordinated intervention, Project MADE warns the UK risks losing ground as global manufacturing systems are reshaped by electrification and digitalisation.
