A Global Centre for Manufacturing

The Liverpool City Region has a strong tradition as an international automotive industry centre, with the presence of some of the world's leading car manufacturers and prestige marques - confirming the high levels of skills, productivity and cost advantages. From this location they are able to serve global automotive markets.

The Liverpool City Region is at the cutting-edge of innovation. One of the world's most advanced rotogravure printing facilities is based in South Liverpool, while the General Engineering Research Institute at Liverpool John Moores University has achieved the UK government's highest research ratings.

The Food and Drink Manufacturing Industry is also a major driver for the economy, with key strengths in Bakery, Cereals, Meats, Snacks & Drinks.

Key Industry Features and Benefits

• Part of the global Tata empire, Halewood Operations is one of the world's leading automotive facilities. It produces the Land Rover Freelander 2 alongside and has just been given the new Range Rover LRX which will be the greenest car in its class.
• The £4.8 million Partnership for Learning Centre adjacent to the Jaguar plant provides specialist training services to industry
• A strong automotive component supplier cluster - particularly within new business parks on the Liverpool/Knowsley boundary. The Northwest region itself is a major automotive component base in the UK with around 240 suppliers.
• The HQ of the National Automotive College is based in Liverpool City Region.
• An excellent infrastructure and supply chain capability within the Liverpool City Region, facilitating ease of movement between major distribution centres.
• Liverpool's universities combine significant industrial links with academic excellence:
  • The General Engineering Research Institute at Liverpool John Moores University has been grade 5 in the UK government's most recent Research Assessment Exercises.
  • The University of Liverpool has creating one of the largest and best-equipped laboratories in Europe as part of its Faculty of Engineering, and is one of the principal academic centres in the UK for engineering teaching and research.

Manufacturing companies include:
Getrag Ford, Jaguar/LandRover, Pilkington, NGF Europe Ltd, Knauf, Jacobs Biscuits, Premier International Foods, Halewood International, Cereal Partners, Bakemark, Princes, Nichols, Allied Bakeries.

The Automotive and Food & Drink sectors are supported by two industry-led organisations: the NW Automotive Allianceand Food Northwest.

To contact The Mersey Partnership's Investment Team, please call 0151 237 3931 or email