Home
Key Sectors
Manufacturing and Engineering

Manufacturing and Engineering

Advanced manufacturing is at the forefront of generating growth in this long-established sector.

Doncaster has an enviable reputation as one of the UK’s most important centres of manufacturing excellence

This reputation has been hard earned and we are proud that over 3,000 manufacturing and engineering companies, employing over 11,000 people play a vital role in the local economy.

The sector has continued to evolve from its railway manufacturing and heavy engineering roots. It now includes businesses specialising in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food & drink, packaging & printing, vehicle conversion, green manufacturing, and rail infrastructure. Large local employers include, Polypipe, Ardagh Glass, Bridon Bekaert, Pegler, Montracon, Wavin, Hitachi Rail and Volker rail. Small to medium sized companies have also become established: Agemaspark, Firma Engineering, Hallam Castings, PJD Engineering and Dual Inventive, to name but a few.

Doncaster has provided the perfect infrastructure for these businesses to grow and succeed. For new manufacturing and engineering companies looking to come into the area there are many benefits. These include advantageous operating costs, availability of business support and grants, a highly skilled workforce and access to local national and international markets via its excellent road, rail, sea and air connections. Specialist training and technical product support is available from local providers including Doncaster University Technical College, National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), The Welding Institute and The Castings Technology Institute.

Technology and the drive to create a low carbon economy are spearheading new ways of working and creating exciting development opportunities for the sector

The advent of industry 4.0 is allowing manufacturers to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and speed up production times. Growth is being driven by automation and robotics combined with enhanced access to highspeed broadband and 5G. The Internet of Things (IoT) is enabling the incorporation of smart technology in manufacturing processes and facilitating the remote monitoring and control of connected appliances. Technology is creating exciting opportunities for companies to re-invent themselves and to adapt to the changing needs of a greener, low carbon economy. This forward-looking approach is delivering growth for local companies like Clean Power Hydrogen (CPH) and Energise Energy Solutions.

Doncaster is perfectly placed to enable manufacturing and engineering businesses to take advantage of these opportunities. There is a ready supply of land for industrial development as well availability of purpose-built manufacturing units. Business parks include Gateway East, the Unity site, the iPort plus land in Carcroft and Thorne with new industrial premises being built by commercial developers including Verdion, St Mowden, Trebor Developments and Waystone.

Business Doncaster, the Chamber of Commerce and other local business networks provide outstanding commercial support services including advice on inward investment grants, site availability, incentives, training and R&D support.