Walsall engineering company to help drive region’s new Growth Plan
Walsall-based international defence company Babcock is one of the region's innovative businesses aiming to help accelerate the advanced engineering sector following the launch of the West Midlands Growth Plan.
The plan, unveiled on Monday (July 21) by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, identified advanced engineering, including electric vehicles and battery technology, as one of five high-growth sectors that has the potential to power the regional economy in the years ahead.
Babcock International has developed a range of General Logistics Vehicles (GLV) at its Walsall production facility based on the Toyota Land Cruiser. The family 4x4 has been transformed by Babcock’s skilled team into a formidable and adaptable military vehicle, suitable for fulfilling a range of operationally critical tasks.
It has helped establish the company as a key local employer and an important player in safeguarding national security.
Babcock, which has a rich history in design, development, and manufacture, from naval architecture to mission-based product solutions for defence and civil customers, operates across a range of markets and sectors in the UK and its Walsall site works closely with local authorities on training programmes to help build the skilled workforce the region’s advanced manufacturing sector will need in the future.
Training schemes include Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) where job seekers can achieve a Level 1 Award in Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Awareness, Level 1 Award in Health and Safety, basic vehicle awareness and transferable employability skills with a focus on Babcock and defence.
Students are also given an overview of the role Babcock plays in supporting UK defence and security and a tour of the facility where the company’s Civilian Armoured Vehicle is made, a product used in more than 60 locations around the world.
Those on the SWAP course are shown how the business undertakes electrical design, scanning and computer aided design, and welding.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: “Businesses like Babcock are playing a pivotal role in helping to accelerate growth in Walsall and the wider region. Supporting and encouraging businesses like this will help us ensure that Walsall remains at the heart of the UK’s industrial future.
“Walsall is in the middle of major regeneration right now, creating opportunities for growth. Working with the Combined Authority, the new Growth Plan will help to unlock more opportunities to collaborate and build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient borough for generations to come."
