UK engine production rises in December

The SMMT says that UK engine manufacturing output returned to growth in December, rising 6.7 per cent. However, output fell 6.2 per cent over the year, following retooling at a number of facilities, although the outlook is bright, thanks to major investments into UK engine manufacturing.

“Last year was one of underlying positivity for UK engine manufacturing with full year output down on 2013, due to retooling for new products at a number of plants,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “Investment exceeding £1 billion over the last few years from manufacturers, including BMW, Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, is expected to add £2.5 billion to the sector’s turnover in the coming years. This is beginning to manifest itself in monthly output growth.”