Materials
The largest concentration of employed Materials related jobs in the UK can be found in the West Midlands. Combine this with the strength of our local research centres of excellence, and we are the ideal region to support the growth of Material companies.
The proximity of our leading Future Mobility sector provides dynamic cross-sector collaboration opportunities. The local economy excels in the automotive, aerospace and rail sectors which are fed by our strength in Advanced Manufacturing.
Materials sector in the West Midlands
Capitalising on existing markets
The West Midlands’ history is rooted in industrialisation. This strength has evolved into the modern Advanced Manufacturing and Future Mobility sectors, which are thriving in the local economy. Nord Composites in Wednesbury and MVP Europe are two major European material businesses that have seen tremendous success in the region.
The needs of local manufacturers are varied and present opportunities for those looking to expand or invest in Materials.
Innovation in new, advanced materials is clearly transforming the world that we live in, and the possibilities of influencing material properties at the atomic scale and the convergence of biology, physics and chemistry creates opportunities that we are only just starting to explore.
Get involved with Materials research
Our universities’ R&D helps develop the face of materials used in industry. The University of Warwick, for example, opened the Automotive Composites Research Centre in 2013. The Centre builds on the University’s work with the automotive supply chain and supports new lightweight vehicle technologies.
The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and Catapult High-Value Manufacturing connect companies that can benefit from research with the facilities that can help them realise profitable innovations.
Contact our Materials sector expert to find out how your company can develop, grow and exceed in the West Midlands.
Free support services
We bring together a project team from relevant organisations across the region. This team includes property agents, recruitment consultants, public sector departments and universities. It delivers a comprehensive support package to quickly and easily help you establish and scale your business in the UK.
