A NEW study has revealed just how important manufacturing is to Burnley's economy, with one-in-five jobs in the town connected to the sector.
According to Burnley Bondholder's Invest in Burnley campaign, 7,000 jobs are in advanced manufacturing and engineering roles such as aerospace and automotive, representing 20 per cent of everyone employed in the borough.
Neil Hart, chair of Burnley Bondholders and CEO of Burnley FC believes that this shows why the town is an economic force to be reckoned with.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see our town’s advanced manufacturing and engineering sector remaining strong.
"Of course, all sectors have faced various challenges as a result of the pandemic, but to have a fifth of jobs in this sector is testament to the innovation seen in Burnley.
“With three international airports an hour away, a convenient location off the M65 and the Liverpool SuperPort in close proximity, it’s no wonder why so many esteemed engineering and manufacturing companies choose to have a base in Burnley.”
One such company is Velocity Composites, based on AMS Technology Park, which provides engineering kits to customers to help them reduce industrial waste.
The company employs 80 people, 60 of them at its Burnley site.
Velocity Composites site manager Alex Roberts
Site manager Alex Roberts said: “Burnley is an excellent location in the UK aerospace sector, with major global manufacturers situated both in the town and in close proximity.
"These organisations have invested heavily in the area over the last ten years, making it a global hub of complex manufacturing and new composite design.
“The town has a broad ranging skillset and experienced workforce base, giving reliable resources to deliver on what is needed, including adapting long-established skills around the fabric industry to the advanced composites industry.
"Given the current world aerospace sector challenges, Burnley is well equipped to weather the storm and be in a position to recover stronger and more agile.”
Burnley Bondholder hope that studies like this and the success of companies like Velocity Composites will encourage more investment in the borough and across East Lancashire as a whole.
To find out more about Burnley Bondholders, go to: https://burnley.co.uk/burnley-bondholders/.
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