‘Chips to chips’ – Manufacturing in Devon

12th Apr 2007

Over the past few years, much has been written about the ‘decline’ in manufacturing. Whilst it is true that the number of jobs within the industry has reduced and companies are being hit hard by competition from overseas, I wouldn’t use the term ‘decline’ but rather ‘transformation’ when it comes to describing the changing face of the industry.

The traditional model of manufacturing in the UK was based upon mass production and shaped by its labour force, land and capital equipment. However, in recent times, it has become more knowledge-based with manufacturers becoming cleverer about the way they conduct their business through the adoption of lean manufacturing practices, innovating their core offering and exploiting new markets.

Devon is very much playing a part in this transformation. Traditionally associated with industries such as tourism, leisure and farming, increasingly the county is making its mark in the field of manufacturing. Employing more than 47,000 people and providing nearly 11 per cent of the total GVA for Devon, manufacturing is a key contributor to the county’s economy and a major driver of innovation in the region.

Manufacturing in Devon is much more diverse than many perceive. Naturally there is, and always will be, a strong presence of food and drink manufacturers, but in reality the companies produce everything from ‘chips to chips’. By this, I mean we have businesses ranging from luxury crisps to high-tech electronic chips.

Every day, I have the privilege of meeting inspirational manufacturers in Devon when I visit them as part of my role with the South West MAS.

A trend that we have observed at the MAS and nurtured is the sharing of best practice and experiences across the industry. As manufacturers in Devon have adopted and benefited from lean manufacturing techniques and adopting alternative strategies for growth, they have begun passing on this knowledge to their supply chains, associated service industries and to customers. So the industry is not just changing within but impacting on a range of associated industries to positively bolster the economy.

There is, however, one recurring problem for many manufacturing businesses in Devon – a shortage of skilled workers. If manufacturing is to continue growing and competing on a national and international stage, we need to address this issue by maximising the potential of existing workforces and ensuring we shout about the career opportunities in an exciting industry which can offer so much more to men and women than a ‘factory line’ job.

Devon manufacturers are already progressively developing their people, business processes and strategies for growth. With our support, we hope to see a new generation of manufacturers in the county that will continue to take the industry forward to make Devon a recognised centre for manufacturing brilliance.

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