Automotive supply chain set for JLR bonanza
UP to 150 supply companies from across Staffordshire and the West Midlands will benefit as a direct result of Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to set up a new engine plant on the i54 site.
The Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands said firms involved in all aspects of automotive components supply were set for a major boost in demand.
Confirmation that JLR is to progress with the new £355m plant was announced yesterday during a visit to the firm’s Castle Bromwich plant by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his colleague Business Secretary Vince Cable.
The plant will supply four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines for the JLR range and will support its global expansion by ending a reliance on Ford-produced engines.
Simon Griffiths, chief executive of MAS-WM, said: “It is excellent news for West Midlands’ manufacturing that JLR has chosen i54 as the preferred location for its new engine plant.
“In addition to hundred of direct jobs that will be created, there will also be countless opportunities for the supply chain to benefit from more local sourcing.”
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Mr Griffiths, who was a principal engineer at Land Rover, said the new plant would undoubtedly mean new engine models.
“There will be significant potential for West Midlands firms and our outstanding R&D institutions to be involved in helping JLR in the design process,” he said.
“Using our knowledge of the supply chain we would expect up to 150 local companies could be involved and this ranges from experts in gears and engine controls to specialists in castings, valve systems and fluid transmission.”
Staffordshire welcomes JLR engine plant
He said MAS-WM advisors would be on the ground talking with suppliers to make sure they were aware of the opportunities and what they would need to do to take advantage of them.
“This may be in the form of introducing new processes, securing quality accreditations, improving delivery performance, even looking at innovations in design. Whatever the requirement, we will be there to listen and positively support,” he said.
The new plant is expected to create anywhere between 750 and 900 new jobs directly, with this to double through opportunities in the supply chain.
