The South East region's world leadership in satellite technology was underlined during a visit to EADS Astrium in Portsmouth by business leaders as part of the first-ever EEF Manufacturing Week.
The EEF Member Connect visit not only emphasised the company's remarkable achievements in one of the most technologically advanced sectors, but also
highlighted the increasing value to the regional economy of high-value, knowledge-intensive industries.
"This facility demonstrates how world-class design and innovation coupled with advanced lean manufacturing methodology is providing a knowledge-based pathway to a more balanced economy," said David Seall, EEF South East region director.
"Astrium is just the type of company that we need to be encouraging in the UK."
EEF's Manifesto for Manufacturing calls for greater consistency in strategy andb delivery at all levels of government and a rebalancing of the economy by using government's influence to send signals to investors; to overcome obstacles to growth; to become a better customer; and to prioritise investment. EEF also wants to see simpler access to finance and ongoing support for high quality
organisations such as the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS).
Manufacturing in the South East is estimated to be worth around £18 billion to the regional economy and employs around 320,000 people.
Robert Crawford, SEEDA group executive director, who attended the Astrium event, commented: "Innovative companies such as Astrium are driving growth throughout the South East and will underpin the future economic development of the region.
The South East is home to a significant number of advanced manufacturing organisations and we must build on this if we are to support the industries and
jobs of tomorrow."
Guests also heard from EEF chief economist Lee Hopley, who spoke about recent encouraging trends for UK manufacturing but also underlined the fragile nature of the global recovery.
Astrium is an EEF member company and also operates out of Stevenage. It also has a subsidiary company, SSTL, based in Guildford.