Regional focus: a first look at the state of the manufacturing sector in the west midlands

摘要

The manufacturing sector in the West Midlands has seen strong signs of recovery in recent months, but the good news has been overshadowed by other matters in recent weeks. When questioned, most engineering companies will express optimism concerning next year, but there is one topic that is resolutely avoided by most. The elephant in the room' is, of course, MG Rover. If this company closed down, the effects could be catastrophic for the region. The good news is that MG Rover is currently planning a joint venture with China's biggest car maker. A deal with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), which is due to be completed in the new year, "must be seen as good news for both MG Rover and the local economy", according to Nick Goulding, chief executive of the West Midlands branch of the Forum of Private Business. SAIC is said to be aiming to pump up to ￡1 billion into the joint venture to design, develop, and produce four new cars in exchange for a 70% share of the deal.