Advanced manufacturing and engineering form one of Yorkshire’s most productive and fast-growing sectors. The region employs more than 315,000 people in manufacturing, up from around 265,000 a decade earlier, making Yorkshire and the Humber one of the strongest manufacturing bases in the UK. The sector’s value is significant, with West Yorkshire alone generating £7.7 billion in GVA, around 11.5 per cent of its economy, well above the national average.

South Yorkshire has seen especially rapid productivity growth, with advanced engineering and technology businesses contributing to a 64 per cent rise in productivity across the cluster in recent years. This reflects both the strength of local supply chains and the impact of sustained investment in research, innovation and skills. Across Yorkshire, the sector spans aerospace, automotive, food manufacturing, healthcare, energy and digital engineering, with a strong mix of global leaders and specialist SMEs driving competitiveness.

Together, these assets make advanced manufacturing and engineering a cornerstone of Yorkshire’s economy. The region’s mix of scale, talent and innovation ensures it is well placed to support UK industrial growth, attract new investment, and create high-value jobs for the future.