Jaguar Land Rover announces new Wolverhampton factory

Video by Staffordshire County Council

Jaguar Land Rover today unveiled plans for a £355 million engine plant in south Staffordshire, creating up to 750 jobs and bringing a huge boost to the West Midland economy.

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg and Business Secretary Vince Cable made the announcement today and described it as "fantastic news".

The advanced engine facility at the i54 business park, on the border with Wolverhampton, will manufacture a family of all-new advanced technology low emission four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines in a "major commitment" to the region from the car giant.

Wolverhampton City Council and neighbouring Staffordshire County Council today confirmed they would split the cost of a new motorway slip road from the M54 onto the site in a move that helped clinch the deal.

The huge development at the i54, which has already been designated a growth-boosting Enterprise Zone, will create and secure thousands more jobs across the country in the supply chain.

Bosses are now working with council chiefs on a planning application, and the factory could be up and running within two years.

Mr Clegg and Mr Cable joined Jaguar chiefs at the Solihull plant to announce the news today.

JLR chief executive Dr Ralph Speth said today the move showed the company's commitment to the developing advanced skills base and technological capabilities in the UK.

He said: "This is a major commitment for our company and we will produce these advanced, highly efficient engines for future Jaguar and Land Rover models at this new facility.

"As we invest £1.5 billion a year for the next five years on new product development, expanding our engine range will help us realise the full global potential of the Jaguar and Land Rover brands."

Read full coverage and reaction in today's Express & Star