Manufacturing in Furness

Manufacturing is the driving force behind economic wealth of Furness.

Furness Enterprise is a strong champion of manufacturing. We work in partnership with the Manufacturing Institute and others  to help the area's companies adopt lean manufacturing processes, develop supply chain networks, train employees, adopt best practices, create jobs and improve productivity. Our work with NWDA and BIS allows us to assist companies to apply for discretionary capital investment Grants For Business Investment or GRAND Research and Development grants. GRAND helps firms to implement lean manufacturing recommendations and product or process improvements.

There are over 100 manufacturing businesses in Furness employing around 9,000 people. The majority of these jobs are to be found in just 6 companies with the largest being BAE SYSTEMS who employ over 5,480 people. Manufacturing sector strengths in Furness include:

Transport Equipment (embracing shipbuilding)	46%
Chemicals/Pharmaceuticals	25%
Electricals/Electronics	11%
Textiles	8%
Pulp Paper	8%
Other	2%

                                                                                              
In Cumbria, manufacturing accounts for 40% of GDP, around 18% of the GDP comes from tourism. In the UK, only 20% of the UK’s GDP comes from manufacturing. 15 – 20% of Cumbria’s GDP comes from Sellafield LTD (BNFL) and BAE SYSTEMS, both have operations based in Furness.

Some of the world's leading companies are to be found based in Furness. Some of them  are listed below. Click on one to discover who they are and what they do.