JLR’s 1,000 new jobs could lead to 3,600 more say experts

A PLEDGE by Jaguar Land Rover to create 1,000 new jobs at its plant in Solihull could be worth an additional 3,600 to the automotive supply chain, experts believe.

The company has said its intention in creating the jobs – equivalent to a 25% increase in the Lode Lane workforce – is to support new Land Rover and Range Rover product development.

There are a supposed 40 new models in the pipeline over the next few years and a new Land Rover Defender concept, the DC100 was recently unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Lode Lane site currently produces the Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover. Its new Evoque model is produced at Halewood on Merseyside.

An updated Sport and a new Range Rover are already well advanced although no production details have been released. What the future holds for the Freelander remains to be seen; the firm has recently begun exporting body kits for assembly in India.

Rachel Eade, Auto Cluster Manager at Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands, said the news was a shot in the arm for the West Midlands.

“Importantly, the multi-billion pound investment is focused on new product development and this can only mean new opportunities for local suppliers and MAS’ role will be to work with them on exploring these possibilities,” she said.

The organisation believes for every job created at JLR, it potentially creates a further 3.6 jobs in the supply chain.

“As in all global manufacturing arenas, we must not take things for granted and suppliers will need to make sure they offer world class performance, are cost competitive and, importantly, continue to offer value added design and innovation.

“Some people are also missing the fact that 75% of new business won has been in export markets and this is significantly helping to strengthen the UK’s manufacturing output. New model developments will be welcomed throughout the world and will help to increase the car manufacturer’s drive into new markets,” she added.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “A thriving Jaguar Land Rover is good for Warwickshire, Coventry and the whole of the West Midlands.

“In this fast-moving world, companies that recognise the need to invest in skills and technology will be the businesses that succeed on a global scale.

“And it is great to see that Jaguar Land Rover is doing that on our doorstep, to the benefit of our economy.”

Denys Shortt, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We have a strong and well-established reputation for having a highly skilled workforce in the motoring industry and it is great news this will be continuing.

“This is just the kind of news we need to boost the local economy and to give encouragement to other companies considering expanding their workforces in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

Staffordshire County Council, which is preparing for a jobs windfall of its own following JLR’s announcement of its new £355m engine plant at the i54 site, said the new jobs underlined the West Midlands’ credentials as the place for businesses to invest.

Cllr Ben Adams, Staffordshire’s cabinet member for economic growth and enterprise, said: “JLR continues to go from strength to strength as an international leader in the automotive industry and that is why we made such a concerted effort to attract it to Staffordshire.

“The company’s continued growth means there will be more jobs in the Midlands and sets the precedent for job creation in Staffordshire when the new engine plant in the south of the county is up and running.

“We know that JLR’s successes will play an intrinsic part in Staffordshire’s future economic growth and prosperity.”