Automotive Enterprise Zones driving West Midlands economy to growth

AUTOMOTIVE Enterprise Zones in the West Midlands are helping to spearhead economic growth for the region by attracting millions of pounds worth of investment.

Both the Black Country and MIRA EZs have been highlighted by the Government for the important work they are doing both regionally and nationally.

Swedish automotive firm Haldex announced recently that it is to create its new European Technical Centre at the MIRA Technology Park.

Haldex – which develops and provides reliable and innovative solutions that improve safety, vehicle dynamics, and environmental sustainability in the global commercial vehicle industry – is taking 25,500 sq ft of space at the 1.75m sq ft technology park.

The park is set to become the most advanced transport research and development centre in Europe and its potential was highlighted by TheBusinessDesk.com during a recent in-depth interview with chief executive George Gillespie.

Together with three further automotive EZs – in Liverpool, Northampton and Sunderland – the zones are home to leading automotive companies including Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota, Cosworth, Pirelli, Bosch Engineering, Triumph, Ashok Leyland and Lockheed Martin (the latter four all at MIRA).

The Black Country EZ consists of 120 hectares in two locations – the i54 business park, which straddles Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire, and the former James Bridge Copper works in Darlaston.

The i54 site has national – arguably global – significance as it is the home of the £0.5bn JLR engine plant, as well as other manufacturing operations including one belonging to the Moog aerospace group.

Tom Westley, Black Country LEP board lead on the Enterprise Zone said: “The Black Country EZ is a competitive, central location, which is at the beating heart of a massive cluster of manufacturing companies.”

The area’s automotive prowess was highlighted last month with the unveiling of the Black Country Bullet, a virtual simulation hypercar showcasing how components manufactured in the area can be used to produce a whole range of cars.

Ninder Johal, Vice President, Black Country Chamber of Commerce said: “The automotive sector and Black Country manufacturing go hand in hand with a fine heritage and great opportunities for innovation.

“We are therefore delighted by the potential for inward investment that EZs provide and how they will stimulate existing and new supply chain development amongst our automotive companies. We know that manufacturing is growing faster in the Black Country than in the rest of the UK and we have seen a significant increase in local and export opportunities over recent months.”

Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles said when such major international businesses were committing investment to the UK it was an indication of the high regard in which the automotive industry was held.

“When international companies like Haldex invest here it shows we have got our offer right,” he said.

“This is just the beginning; EZs – including the Black Country – are at the heart of our long-term economic plans. They are already making a big difference, attracting increased investment to the UK and creating over 4,600 jobs in just a year and a half.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable was equally enthusiastic. He added: “The British car industry is a big national success story. This year it has attracted more than £2.5bn of investment and created 5,000 new jobs. Haldex’s decision to base its European Technical Centre at MIRA (left) shows we are an attractive place for international companies to do business.

“The Government’s industrial strategy is clearly working and giving business the confidence to invest and create more high skilled, long term jobs in the UK. We have launched the £3m Automotive Investment Organisation – a specialist team dedicated to winning overseas investment in the UK car industry. We have also committed more than £1bn over the next 10 years to ensure the UK maintains its leading position on researching and developing greener car technology.”