JLR joins inward investment bodies to promote Black Country as centre of auto excellence

VEHICLE manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover is to partner inward investment agencies in the Black Country to promote the sub-region as a centre of automotive excellence.

Invest Black Country is taking exhibition space at the forthcoming Advanced Engineering UK group of events at the NEC, where it will be exhibiting alongside JLR.

The exhibition, which takes place between November 12 and 13, incorporates five advanced engineering events supported by 600 specialist exhibitors and more than 200 speakers.

To showcase the Black Country’s world-class engineering supply chain to the thousands of delegates likely to attend, Invest Black Country and Business Birmingham will be using their stand (G121 in Hall 5) to show how automotive companies can use the region to set up and then expand.

JLR is investing heavily in the region and is currently building its £500m engine plant at the i54 site close to Wolverhampton. The new plant is set to create around 1,400 new jobs, with recruitment currently taking place.

Factors for choosing the site were its good transport links, ready access to a skilled labour force and a strong supply chain.

Alan Edwards, Senior Supply Chain Manager for JLR will talk about this strategy during an open forum event on the second day of the exhibition.

Wayne Langford, Head of Investment at Invest Black Country – which has the strapline “Built in the Black Country – sold around the world”, said: “We have double the number of advanced manufacturing companies than the national average, so our supply chain offers a complete solution to any automotive firm looking to set up shop in our dynamic region.

“Alongside JLR we’re proud to say that other prestigious manufacturers such as JCB, BMW, Bentley and Aston Martin already have extensive supply chains in the Black Country – and we have the infrastructure to welcome more.”

JLR will be exhibiting two of latest vehicles at the event – the all-new aluminium constructed Range Rover and a prototype Jaguar sports saloon.

Invest Black Country and Business Birmingham’s partnership with JLR also means that prospective JLR suppliers visiting the pavilion may get the chance to have one-to-one business briefings with senior JLR buyers.

Main contractors for JLR, Beck & Pollitzer Engineering, will also be on hand to field enquiries about supplying to the new JLR engine plant.

JLR will also be hosting a factory tour for potential investors and VIPs the day after the show.