Let’s hear it for manufacturing…

Our way out of the recession or the timing of it remain far from clear, doomsayers predicting a long, hard haul with continued problems for manufacturers in particular and brighter prospects for service industries. And while Leeds has a well-earned reputation for professional services, the city’s vibrant and resilient manufacturing sector is often overlooked. (Client disclosure: Appeal works for Leeds Manufacturing Initiative).

Leeds manufacturers have in fact risen to the challenges of globalisation with a winning combination of enterprise and innovation enabling them to build market leadership and new business against fierce overseas competition.

Leeds is the UK’s third largest manufacturing centre with over 1900 firms employing some 39,000 people. Manufacturing accounts for 8% of total employment in the city and punches above its weight by generating 11% of the total £15 billion output.

Specialised engineering remains the largest sub-sector with around 13,600 employees, printing and publishing, medical technology and food and drink production are also major employers. But Leeds manufacturers turn out a wide range of products used across the world, from artificial heart valves, to precision motor components and jet turbine blades.

So let’s hear it a bit more for the manufacturers, they will be a vital part of our recovery from this recession.