McLaren Automotive is to invest £500mn in its UK operations and create up to 1,000 jobs by 2032, in a major expansion of manufacturing and research capabilities that the government has presented as evidence of renewed confidence in British industry.
The luxury carmaker plans to expand its research and development operations in South Yorkshire and establish a new UK factory as it broadens its vehicle range. The investment is expected to create jobs across its existing facilities in Woking, Surrey, and South Yorkshire.
The announcement comes as ministers seek to encourage private investment and revive manufacturing amid heightened economic uncertainty, with global instability and conflict adding to pressure on businesses and governments.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the investment as the “biggest investment in our car industry in the post-war era”, linking it to the government’s ambition to reindustrialise the UK.
Speaking at McLaren’s Technology Centre in Woking, Reynolds said: “The Prime Minister has talked about bringing growth to every postcode. It’s one of the central ambitions of the government.
“A Britain that does that and believes in itself again. And I for one welcome his confidence and his optimism.
“But I want to thank McLaren for playing a key part in that mission, for proving that the UK is and will remain a great car-making nation.”
He added: “Sometimes we make the fastest cars in the world, and McLaren certainly has.
“But in my mind, we always make the best. And while I am Secretary of State, I can promise you this: I will do all I can to help you succeed now and in the years to come.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the investment as a “huge vote of confidence in Britain from McLaren, one of our world class manufacturers”.
“It’s wonderful to see the investment they have been making here and in Rotherham, and it’s a sign of confidence long-term in the British economy.”
Earlier, Burnham said: “McLaren is doubling down on Britain, keeping the design, the engineering and the building of every future car here, and taking on a thousand more people to do it.”
McLaren chief executive Nick Collins said the investment would expand production while bringing key elements of future vehicle development in-house.
“Firstly, we’ll expand vehicle assembly in the UK as we broaden our portfolio and launch a new generation of models.
“Secondly, for the first time in our history, we will build our future engines in-house, and finally, it will scale the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in South Yorkshire, home to our world-leading carbon fibre development.”
The investment represents a significant commitment to retaining high-value automotive engineering, manufacturing and research in Britain, while expanding McLaren’s domestic production footprint.
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