The Manufacturing sector covers a range of sectors including both manufacturing and engineering. Manufacturing includes producing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, drink and textiles. The engineering sector includes processing and construction of equipment, domestic appliances, computers, electrical equipment, measuring devices, medical instruments, cars and trucks.
Source: New Economy Manchester's Policy & Research Team
Key Statistics
Distribution of Employees in Manufacturing
working within Greater Manchester, 2007
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Employment Concentrations
based on numbers working in Manufacturing in Greater Manchester, 2007
Large or significant Manufacturing employers in Greater Manchester include:
Colgate Palmolive Ltd - Manufacturer of personal, household and pet care products
Concept Cycling Ltd - Cycle manufacturers
Dorma Group Ltd - Textile manufacturers
Eaton Ltd - Gear box manufacturers and repairs
Kelloggs - Food products – prepared
Kingsland Wines and Spirits - Brewers
McVities - Biscuit manufacturers
Princess Soft Drinks - Soft drink manufacturers and suppliers
PZ Cussons - Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals product manufacturers
Zetex plc - Electronic components
Source: Business Solutions, 2008
Employment Concentrations
based on numbers working in Manufacturing in Greater Manchester, 2007
Forecast employment changes in Manufacturing
in Greater Manchester, 2008-2013
Occupations include:
Assemblers (electrical products)
Assemblers (vehicle and metal goods)
Assemblers and routine operatives
Auto-electricians
Bakers / flour confectioners
Butchers and meat cutters
Chemical and related process operatives
Chemical engineers
Chemists
Clothing cutters
Electrical engineers
Engineering professionals
Engineering technicians
Food, drink and tobacco process operators
Furniture makers, other craft woodworkers
Garage managers and proprietors
Garment and related trades
General engineering General manufacturing
Glass and ceramics process operatives
Hand craft occupations
Industrial cleaning process occupations
Labourers in foundries
Labourers process and plant operators
Lines repairers and cable jointers
Mechanical engineers
Metal machine setter and setter operator
Metal making and treating process operative
Metal plate workers
Metal working machine operatives
Metal working production and maintenance fitter
Minor occupationally specific engineering
Motor mechanics and automotive engineers
Moulders, core makers, die casters
Packers, bottlers, canners, fillers
Paper and wood machine operatives
Pattern makers (moulds)
Planning and quality control engineers
Plant and machine operatives
Plastics process operatives
Process operatives
Production and process engineers
Purchasing managers
Quality assurance managers
Quality assurance technicians
Rail transport operatives
Routine inspectors and testers
Rubber process operators
Sewing machinists
Sheet metal workers
Tailors and dressmakers
Textile process operatives
Tool makers, tool fitters, and markers out
Tyre exhaust and windscreen fitters
Upholsterers
Vehicle body builders and repairers
Vehicle spray painters
Weavers and knitters
Welding trades
Case Studies
Walter Strachan:
Age 19
Manufacturing Apprentice
Walter went straight to college after leaving school to study IT. After completing the course he decided he wanted to learn a trade and applied to become an apprentice at a machinery parts manufacturing firm.
He impressed at his interview and started last year. Now, aged 19, he is working towards his Manufacturing Apprenticeship and is close to completing his key skills. Walter is enjoying the combination of working in the main workshops and learning in the company’s training centre;
“I’m currently working on a range of different skills such as welding, cutting and burning, but it’s the welding I enjoy the most.
It was a good decision for me to become an apprentice and it’s a great opportunity. I would recommend it to anyone who is prepared to work hard and put in the commitment.”
Gordon Hardin:
Age 26
Polymer Technologist
"The company I work for is a producer of plastic packaging in Europe, producing packaging for many well-known and household brands.
I joined the firm in August 2002, after graduating with a 2:1 M Eng (Hons) in Materials Science and Engineering. During my degree, I had undertaken 12 months industrial experience with a polymer processing company and l was keen to find a graduate job in this field. I was recruited as a graduate technologist working alongside experienced staff in the technical department.
During the last four years, I’ve undertaken a wide range of project work, and my responsibilities have increased too. Manufacturing has a lot of great opportunities for anyone who wants them."