£45m investment in midlands Automotive engineering

£45m is to be invested in the automotive engineering industry in the Midlands, by creating an expanded automotive business zone in Whitley, near Coventry.

The project will open up 2,710 new jobs in engineering and advanced manufacturing, stimulating growth in these areas as well as the economy.

£35m of the total £45m investment has come from a government investment, announced by Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark. A further £10m has been granted by Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, Warwick District Council and Coventry City Council, who are supporting the site.

Business Minister Margot James has said:

The resurgence of advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry in the West Midlands is a real success story. It’s vital we maintain this momentum and keep creating high-skilled jobs and don’t let any opportunity slip through our fingers. Today’s £35 million investment unlocks land that will help to cement the region as a leading destination for investment.

The site will cover 24 hectares and will be connected with the A45; a new bridge will join the new site to the existing Jaguar Land Rover engineering centre.

It is expected businesses will be on site and hiring from 2017/18.