Investment in i54, the 91-hectare development site in South Staffordshire, has increased since it became an Enterprise Zone earlier this year, with a pronounced interest from engineering firms. Jaguar Land Rover is the latest to invest, and will build a £355 million engine plant, enhancing the site’s prospects of developing a cluster. Major companies from various sectors have announced investments in the site, including Moog, whose aerospace facility is due to open in 2012. The site has plots for industrial, office, and technology use, but a strong engineering presence is emerging.
“Our area has a long and proud history in the motor car industry – and this deal signals the start of a brand new chapter”, said Councillor Brian Edwards, Leader of South Staffordshire Council. “With Moog, Eurofins and now one of the world’s finest motor car companies on board at i54 South Staffordshire – this could really change the face of our local economy for generations to come.”
Enterprise Zone Status for i54
The site was granted Enterprise Zone status in the spring of 2011, and will offer a range of new incentives to ease business operations. "We are 100% committed to making life easy for investors”, said Ben Adams, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Enterprise. “Big international names are setting up home here, bringing more jobs and prosperity. Enterprise Zone status for i54 is symptomatic of the growing Staffordshire success story."
The site is currently undergoing remediation, and planning consent has been given for phase 1 of 50,000 sq m of space, as well as a slip road connecting to the M54 motorway.
Aerospace Cluster
Global aerospace firm Moog has already invested in i54. The £15million, 208,905 sq ft purpose-built facility will manufacture precision control systems and components and is due to open in September 2012. Vice-president of the company, Joseph Bell commented, “i54 gives us the opportunity to occupy a bespoke building on a strategically located site whilst also retaining our very skilled and talented workforce.” They hope to safeguard 400 jobs.
Moog joins HS Marston Aerospace Limited, and Goodrich Actuation Systems, in the area, as the latest addition to Staffordshire’s established supply chain in aerospace engineering.
Automotive Cluster
Jaguar Land Rover is investing £355 million in a new engine plant in i54. "As part of our long-term strategy for the JLR business, we will design, engineer and manufacture a new family of advanced engines”, said Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer at Jaguar Land Rover. “This is a major commitment for our company and we will produce these advanced, highly-efficient engines for future Jaguar and Land Rover models at a new facility in the UK.”
The coalition has offered £10m towards the Jaguar plant, in line with its plans to rebalance the economy by boosting manufacturing activities, identifying the automotive industry as vital to its recovery
"The fact that a prestigious luxury car manufacturer like this has chosen i54 South Staffordshire is a vote of confidence in our city and the West Midlands as a whole”, said Councillor Roger Lawrence, leader of Wolverhampton City Council. “A plant of this nature will bring at least 1,000 skilled jobs not just at the site itself but also through the supply chain.”
The Timken Company, global manufacturer of highly engineered automotive components, is based near the site, and Michelin and JCB have operations in the county. The council hopes that JLR’s investment will be a catalyst for further automotive and engineering firms to invest in the area, expanding the existing cluster. “A major business like JLR attracts further investment, which we’re ready for in Staffordshire and the wider region”, said Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins. “The benefits of the i54 South Staffordshire site are numerous, not least because of its central location, communication links and skilled workforce on its doorstep. It’s close to the home of Jaguar and means we’re at the heart of the automotive industry.”
Academic and Communications Infrastructure
As part of Jaguar’s deal, Staffordshire and Wolverhampton councils will pay for the construction of a £36.7m slip road giving i54 direct access to Junction 2 of the M54 motorway. Wolverhampton will also conduct a £3m enhancement to the Vine traffic island on the A449 Stafford Road, and Jaguar itself has agreed to contribute to improvements to the local public transport network.
The quality of the local workforce was also credited for the successful tender. “One of the key components of our offer as a destination for Jaguar Land Rover was the graduate workforce from our universities in Staffordshire and the wider region”, said Councillor Adams. The JLR plant will create over a thousand jobs, requiring many skilled engineers. Fourteen universities around the site are members of the Deans of Engineering & Technology Alliance, and the West Midlands’ universities produce 50,000 graduates every year.
“JLR provides an opportunity for young people to engage in learning that will lead to employment in engineering and other fields, something that the college and the University of Wolverhampton have been working together to develop”, said Wolverhampton Chamber president Bhanu Dhir. The synergies between the region’s industry and universities are accelerating development of engineering, manufacturing and high-tech entrepreneurial activity. The region’s graduate placement scheme has led to employment for 73% of candidates – over twice the national average.
“We are at the heart of the UK transport network and the economy”, said Atkins. “We have a great workforce and universities that are plugged directly into business needs. Staffordshire and i54 are about minimising the hassle and the fuss. We are making investment as easy as possible.”
Approximately 30 acres remain available for development at i54, following Jaguar Land Rover’s announcement. It is hoped that i54 will continue to attract such investment, accelerating the growth of this engineering cluster. Atkins added, “We look forward to building on this success and seeing further growth and investment.”
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