Welsh Secretary champions advanced manufacturing in North Wales by
hosting a roundtable and visiting businesses in the area.
- Welsh Secretary champions advanced manufacturing in
North Wales and sees first-hand how the sector puts more money in
people's pockets.
- UK Government's economic growth mission delivers with £160m
Investment Zone in Wrexham and Flintshire.
- Investment is part of the Plan for Change helping achieve the
milestone of raising living standards for working people.
Welsh Secretary has made it clear to North Wales business leaders
that they will play a vital part in helping to grow the economy
in Wales when she met them at Toyota on Deeside. The
discussion with the leaders in advanced manufacturing is the
latest in a series of roundtables chaired by the Welsh Secretary
as part of her drive to deliver economic growth for Wales.
Last week Ms Stevens launched the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory
Group, and she also met with leaders from the digital and tech
industries in Wales. The previous week she met with the creative
sector.
The group is working with the Welsh Secretary to inform the UK
Government's new Industrial Strategy to boost key Welsh
industries, and shape Welsh priorities for the next Spending
Review, both expected during spring 2025.
In the Autumn Budget the Chancellor confirmed £320m funding for
two Investment Zones in Wales. The Wrexham and Flintshire
Investment Zone is backed by £160m of UK Government money which
will be used promote investment opportunities, create additional
jobs, and drive economic growth.
Welsh Secretary said:
I am focussed on growing the economy in Wales and ensuring that
people have more money in their pockets. The advanced
manufacturing sector in North Wales is a vital driver for
growth.
Just last week the Prime Minister set out our Plan for Change
with a clear mission to kickstart the economy and raise living
standards for everyone.
My commitment to North Wales business is personal. It is where I
grew up and I know how important it is for helping deliver growth
and make a real difference to the people who live and work in
this area.
Richard Finchett, Director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK)
Ltd, Deeside Plant said:
Since we started manufacturing engines in Deeside more than 30
years ago, Toyota has been proud to contribute to Welsh society
and to high value employment in this region.
Advanced manufacturing including the automotive sector remains
vital for a dynamic economy with its associated investments in
people, skills generation and the wider community. Today's UK
Government's Roundtable held at Toyota Deeside is an important
step in the continued dialogue between business and government
over our shared ambitions for economic growth, national
prosperity and low carbon leadership across Wales.
John Whalley the Chief Executive of Aerospace Wales said:
I am delighted that the Prime Minister confirmed the UK
Government's £975 million investment in the aerospace sector on
his recent visit to Airbus at Broughton. And I am pleased at the
early signs of close co-operation with the Welsh Government and
the statement of intent in the Industrial Strategy green paper.
The aerospace and space sectors look forward to fruitful
collaboration between the two governments and industry leading to
greater prosperity for the people of Wales.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Attendees at the Advanced Manufacturing roundtable:
- Richard Finchett, Director, Toyota Manufacturing UK Deeside
- Helen Swift, Public Affairs Manager, Airbus
- John Whalley, Chief Executive, Aerospace Wales
- Rachael Blackburn, Director, Aerospace Wales
- Jackie Pearson, Director of Corporate Affairs, Shotton Mill
Limited
-
, Programmes Director,
Triumph
- David Randall, Engineering Director, Magellan Aerospace
