Advanced Engineering

Made in Lancashire. Built for the world

Lancashire is one of the UK’s most capable regions for advanced engineering and manufacturing as well as a global name in aerospace, defence, automotive and industrial innovation.

With over 120,000 people employed in manufacturing and £4.8bn in output, this isn’t just a legacy – it’s a living, breathing, high-value economy built on quality, precision and progress.

We combine deep sector experience with new talent, globally competitive R&D and specialist supply chains. Whether you’re building aircraft, medical devices, electric vehicles or factory automation systems, Lancashire delivers at scale.

Why invest in Lancashire’s engineering sector?

• £4.8bn manufacturing output (and growing)
• Over 120,000 people employed in manufacturing
• One of the UK’s largest aerospace clusters
• Proven strengths in machinery, automation, chemicals, polymers, automotive and defence
• Global OEMs & export-ready SMEs – part of robust, responsive supply chains
• Direct access to skills, universities and technical R&D centres
• Space to grow in Enterprise Zones and manufacturing corridors

Aerospace at scale – and with precision

We’re the only UK region with the end-to-end capability to design, build, test and maintain an entire aircraft. That’s thanks to global leaders like BAE Systems, Safran Nacelles, Rolls-Royce, Victrex and a 500+ strong local supply chain, delivering advanced components, avionics, composites and more.

Strengths include:

• Military aircraft production and support
• Digital flight systems and avionics
• Precision composites and components
• Advanced materials and manufacturing
• National cyber and defence collaboration

Key locations:

• Samlesbury and Warton Enterprise Zones
• BAE Systems Academy for Skills & Knowledge

Key players include:

• BAE Systems – UK HQ for military aircraft
• Rolls-Royce – precision engineering & nuclear innovation
• Safran Nacelles – global aerospace systems
• Victrex – high-performance polymer leader
• AMRC North West & Engineering Innovation Centre – world-class innovation infrastructure

Automotive, industrial and materials innovation

Lancashire isn’t only about aircraft. Our engineering ecosystem also powers:

• Next gen transport
• Clean tech
• Automated systems
• Heavy machinery and components
• Advanced polymers and performance materials
• Tooling, testing and systems integration

Notable firms include:

• Leyland Trucks – Europe’s most advanced truck assembly site
• Fort Vale – global leaders in valves and fittings
• Emerson & Renwick – engineering pioneers
• AGC Chemicals, Sugdens – specialists in chemicals and industrial equipment

From polymers to precision, from nuclear fuels to food production tech – if it’s complex, engineered and exportable, you’ll find it here.

Skills and R&D that keep you competitive

Innovation only works with the people to power it – and Lancashire’s skills base is second to none. We combine a significant engineering workforce with fresh talent, innovation assets and university links.

Talent pipeline includes:

• University of Central Lancashire – Engineering Innovation Centre
• Lancaster University – Materials Science and Smart Manufacturing
• AMRC North West – applied R&D with industry
• BAE Systems Academy for Skills & Knowledge
• FE Colleges rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’
• 20,000+ STEM graduates annually across the region

From apprentices to postgrads, Lancashire delivers a workforce that keeps your operation competitive and future-proof.

Sites that support serious scale

Whether you need high-bay manufacturing space, airside access, or development land, we’ve got options across the county.

Available locations:

• Samlesbury Enterprise Zone
• Warton Enterprise Zone
• Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone
• Hillhouse Enterprise Zone
• Burnley Business & Innovation Centre
• M65 corridor manufacturing sites
• Custom solutions across central and East Lancashire

Build Better in Lancashire

For businesses that depend on resilience, quality, capability and confidence – Lancashire delivers.

Get in touch to explore sites, skills and supply chains.