As we mark National Manufacturing Day on September 25th, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on the transformative role manufacturing plays in our economy, and to share the Liverpool City Region’s ambitious vision for the future of this vital sector.

Advanced Manufacturing is not only a cornerstone of our industrial base, but also a powerful engine for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Through the collaborative efforts of the Advanced Manufacturing board, our partners and our cluster mapping research, we’ve developed a strategic action plan that leverages our region’s unique strengths and positions us as a national leader in advanced manufacturing technologies.

What Is Advanced Manufacturing?

Advanced Manufacturing brings together cutting-edge technologies, materials, and processes to drive productivity and competitiveness. It’s where engineering, materials science, digital innovation, and sustainability converge to create smarter, cleaner, and more efficient production systems.

As many in the sector rightly say: “You can’t have advanced manufacturing without manufacturing.” This sentiment honours our industrial heritage while embracing the future.

Our Mission and Vision

Our mission is clear: to accelerate the growth and transformation of the Liverpool City Region’s advanced manufacturing sector by strengthening our ecosystem and fostering collaboration across industry, academia, and government.

Our vision is ambitious yet achievable: To position Liverpool City Region as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, renowned for innovation, sustainability, and economic vitality.

We are committed to building a fairer, stronger, cleaner city region, one where no one is left behind.

Key Goals of the Action Plan are:

  •  Strengthen the Advanced Manufacturing ecosystem Build a connected, collaborative cluster that supports innovation and commercialisation.
  • Be a hub for Industrialisation Create a supportive environment for scaling ideas and attracting investment.
  • Develop a resilient, future-ready workforce Equip our people with the skills needed for Industry 4.0 and 5.0.
  •  Attract and anchor existing and future OEMs Bring in and retain original equipment manufacturers to boost regional capabilities.
  • Empower SMEs and transform supply chains Support small businesses and drive resilience across the sector.
  • Attract Foreign Direct Investment Showcase LCR as a prime destination for global investors.
  • Drive sustainable and innovative growth Promote clean energy, circular economy principles, and net-zero manufacturing practices.
  • Enable clean energy and digital accessibility Ensure manufacturers have access to the infrastructure and technologies needed to thrive.
  • Align with the Industrial Strategy, leveraging the power of AI Embrace automation, AI, and smart factory technologies to stay ahead.
  • Fix the foundations and provide the infrastructure to drive growth Invest in the physical and digital infrastructure needed to support long-term success.

Why It Matters

Manufacturing is not just about making things- it’s about making progress. It’s about creating high-value jobs, driving prosperity, and improving quality of life. By investing in advanced manufacturing, we’re investing in our communities, our environment, and our future.

The full Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan will be published this October. It will set out in detail how we’ll deliver on our goals and unlock the full potential of the sector across the Liverpool City Region.

Stay tuned and join us in shaping the future of manufacturing.

Get in touch

In the meantime, please feel free to get in touch with me if you are a business in Liverpool City Region that needs support, or you are just interested in what is happening in the cluster.