Star comment: Industrial revival is great news
In recent years, there has been much talk of re-balancing the economy. In an age where British jobs are predominantly in the service sector, there has been an urgent need for job creation in manufacturing.
And as China, India, Mexico and Brazil take more of the world's low-grade manufacturing jobs, there has been a focus on creating elite, high-end work for highly-skilled employees.
It is exceptional news, therefore, that Telford and Wrekin continues to lead the way with the creation on 300 new jobs at a bespoke engineering factory that is the size of four-and-a-half football pitches.
Engineers will flock to the new Magna factory in Telford to create bespoke parts for Jaguar and Land Rover cars.
There will also be new apprenticeships created to train the next generation of worker and ensure that essential skills are retained.
Such jobs not only help those fortunate enough to impress bosses at Magna, they also help the local economy as wages recirculate in our region. From the local barber and chip shop to supermarkets, builders and retailers, the trickle down effect will assist many.
Magna is not the only company whose business benefits Telford and Wrekin.
The Shropshire Star's Excellence in Business awards highlight other key players while a number of other developments are creating jobs in Shropshire.
The county’s standing among the UK’s business fraternity is being heightened and the local economy is able to flourish.
The arrival of the machinery to Magma s a very physical symbol of the resurgence of industry in Shropshire. The county is already home to thousands of small businesses, but is also in the process of welcoming major players too, which will in turn create jobs in supporting industries.
There have been numerous developments in recent years that have made the picture positive, not least the creation of a Jaguar Land Rover plant off the M54, near the Shropshire border, and investments by the Ministry of Defence.
Lest we forget, Shropshire also has a booming private sector that is packed with small and medium-sized business. Entrepreneurship flourishes in our region.
Of course, it is never wise to sit back and county business leaders continue to seek further investors.
Telford and Wrekin Council has done well in recent times to highlight the county's attractive infrastructure and it is to be hoped other investors will make a base in the region.
