Region leads Western Europe for manufacturing job creation from FDI

Wolverhampton has been revealed as the best performing city in Western Europe for creating manufacturing jobs through foreign direct investment.

The analysis of jobs from greenfield investment – when a parent company builds new production facilities rather than moving into existing facilities – by fDi magazine found the Black Country city had welcomed 3,289 between 2012 and 2016.

It put it ahead of Graz and Barcelona, although the West Midlands dominated the top 10 – Solihull, Coventry, and Birmingham were ranked fourth, sixth and seventh respectively.

The West Midlands was ranked third in the regional rankings for capital investment in manufacturing and fourth for the number of projects.

The region’s ability to continue to attract inward investment – in manufacturing and other key sectors – will depend heavily on how it can upskill today’s workers and create a workforce able to fill the jobs of the future.

Next Wednesday TheBusinessDesk.com, in association with the Black Country LEP and the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, is holding a panel discussion to examine what businesses need to do to play an active part in creating a strong, sustainable future.

The expert panel will discuss:

• the opportunities the apprentice levy presents for businesses
• the role of apprenticeships and skills in creating the workforce of the future
• the Black Country’s role within the Midlands Engine and on the international stage
• technology’s disruptive effect on industry and the impact of Industry 4.0

The free event is at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, from 8am – 10am.

Click here to book your place at the Black Country: Technology and Skills event.