Invest in Dorset; Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing

Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing is just one of five sectors thriving within the Dorset region. With advanced technology, a vibrant supply chain, strong transport links and located with global AEM leaders, the AEM sector contributes £1.7 billion annually to the region’s economy.

Dorset has a rich base of R&D and high-tech manufacturers reaching across other sub-sectors of industry. From delivering 5G communications and real time met ocean data collection, to unique and world-leading 3D sonar technology. Dorset’s engineering and manufacturing providers ensure they have a highly skilled advanced engineering and manufacturing supply chain to help the industry thrive.

With international links from companies across the globe, Dorset is not shy of organisations boasting some of the highest tech and advanced equipment made disposable for the region and will continue to contribute an impressive amount of income to Dorset’s economy.

Some of the many organisations currently working within Dorset’s include:

• Jet Engineering 5G at Sea; delivers 5G communications and real time met ocean data collection for offshore environments to enable safe and secure, sustainable, smart operations.
• BOFA International; a multi-award winning world leader in portable fume extraction and filtration, with over 35 years’ experience.
• Coda Octopus; world leading 3D sonar technology, generating high-resolution images of subsea scenes in real-time.
• Southwest Aerospace: one of the largest, most significant in the world, valued at £7 billion and supports over 98,000 jobs.
• Micronav: market-leading ATC tower stimulator sweet, working with Dubai Aviation engineering projects to support air navigation services and air traffic control for Dubai and Northern Emirates.
• Atlas Elektronik UK; won the 2019 Dorset Echo Industry Awards for Apprenticeship / training provider, with a 400-strong workforce at Winfrith, specialising in maritime systems.
• BattleLab; joining forces with the Ministry of Defence, Dorset Council and Dorset LEP. Opened the first of its kind defence BattleLab, enabling exciting and creative collisions and connections.
• SWRDC; the first pan-defence and Security cluster in the UK, collaborating with industry and academics with the support of government, raising the profile of regional D&S capability to stimulate greater sector knowledge, business and economic growth.
• Loop Technology; specialising in industrial automation technology and robotics, designing and building automated systems for the high value manufacturing sector.

28,000 people are employed within the sector, supported by key national trade associations and sector organisations. With 315 foreign-owned businesses, a range of accessible airports, home to two excellent universities, and 11 neighbouring universities. Dorset is flourishing with potential talent, as well as already offering a highly skilled and experienced workforce with 48% of the 353,500 working in managerial / profession jobs.

Dorset is home to Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth, and colleges with specialisms in aerospace and marine related research and education.

Bournemouth and Poole College offer students to study Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical) from Level 1 to Level 6. Expert tutors teach the skills and techniques that local businesses require. Working closely with local businesses like Eaton PLC, REID Steel, Superior Seals and Aish Technologies.

Weymouth College covers a wide range of skill areas including engineering operations, manufacturing engineering, general engineering, electrical and electronics, fabrication, welding and CAD.

Invest in Dorset is a team of economic development professionals across Dorset dedicated to helping companies and investors identify investment or expansion opportunities in Dorset, ensuring they get all the support they need to be successful here.

To find out more about the AEM sector, and the companies involved. Download our Investment guide to Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Sector.