Prime Minister Andy Burnham has hailed McLaren’s £500 million investment in its UK operations during a visit to the supercar manufacturer’s Woking headquarters.

The investment is expected to create at least 1,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2032 and includes plans for a new vehicle assembly facility, which could potentially be built close to Woking.

Speaking to the Woking News & Mail during his visit to the McLaren Technology Centre, Mr Burnham said: “It’s really important we see this investment here in Woking.

“We’re really grateful to McLaren for their vote of confidence in British industry and manufacturing.

“The jobs here are the best, highly sought-after jobs.”

The Prime Minister said the investment was part of efforts to “reindustrialise” the UK and bring “world-class manufacturing jobs to our communities”.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets staff with Louise Haigh, First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office and Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade on his visit to McLaren Technology Centre.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets staff with Louise Haigh, First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office and Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade on his visit to McLaren Technology Centre. (Picture by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street)

The £500 million programme will expand McLaren’s manufacturing, engineering and vehicle development capabilities as the company prepares for its next phase of growth, including the development of a new performance SUV.

A new vehicle assembly facility is planned to increase production capacity and ensure future McLaren models continue to be built in the UK.

A location has not yet been decided, but McLaren has confirmed a site close to its Woking headquarters is a possibility.

The investment forms part of a wider commitment from shareholder L’IMAD, a sovereign investor of the Government of Abu Dhabi.

For the first time in McLaren’s history, the company will also design and build its future powertrains in-house, starting with two new engines and transmissions as part of its hybrid strategy.

McLaren expects the programme to create at least 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs across its UK operations by 2032, while its manufacturing workforce is set to double.

New apprenticeships will provide further opportunities for people entering the automotive industry, while the investment is also expected to support up to 3,000 additional jobs across McLaren’s supply chain.

Mr Burnham said the investment would create “high-quality apprenticeships, jobs and drive growth far beyond its factory gates”, describing partnerships between government and business as important to reindustrialising communities.

McLaren Chief People Officer Tina Lovelock said the investment represented an important opportunity for both existing and future employees.

“It’s about skills development, providing an opportunity for existing employees to potentially learn new skills and develop, but it’s also about providing new opportunities for new employees to come and join us and develop new skills within the UK,” she said.

McLaren said the programme will also strengthen its expertise in carbon fibre and advanced manufacturing while supporting its expanding vehicle portfolio.