McLaren Automotive is investing £500 million to expand its UK manufacturing, engineering and operations. It will enable the Woking-based firm to accelerate the development of its next generation of models while bringing jobs and further benefits to Surrey’s economy.
The investment reinforces McLaren’s commitment to Surrey and Britain – where Bruce McLaren founded the company in 1963 and where it produced the legendary McLaren F1, its first supercar.
The programme will create at least 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs across McLaren’s UK operations by 2032, while safeguarding existing roles.
Up to 3,000 additional jobs are expected to be created across supply chain. This will bolster the British automotive sector and boost exports.
The investment strengthens McLaren Automotive’s expertise in lightweighting, carbon fibre and advanced manufacturing, while securing critical intellectual property and production capabilities in the UK.
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth, said: “For decades McLaren has played a significant role in Surrey’s economy, providing training and employment for thousands of people and bringing millions of pounds of investment and trade into the county every year.
“We warmly welcome today’s announcement which reinforces Surrey’s position as a leader for innovation. This significant investment will support many of our economic strengths, including our automotive, engineering and creative sectors.
“We look forward to continue working with the team at Woking directly to ensure this new investment delivers benefits to our people, places and employers, through direct employment, skills training for young people and broader supply chains.”
Expanding McLaren Automotive in the UK
The investment will enable McLaren Automotive to expand its production capability. It will increase vehicle output to ensure the next generation of McLaren Automotive cars are built in Britain. This includes a newly confirmed performance SUV. This will be made possible by a new vehicle assembly facility planned in the UK.
It will see McLaren Automotive’s manufacturing workforce is set to double in the UK, supported by new apprenticeships to develop the next generation of talent.
For the first time in its history, McLaren Automotive’s future powertrains will be designed and built in-house, starting with two new engines and transmissions. This will support the company’s hybrid engine strategy, building on McLaren Automotive’s pioneering use of hybrid technology.
McLaren Automotive is also expanding operations at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking.
The company has recently opened two new UK sites – a design and innovation centre at the McLaren Creation Centre in Bicester, and a testing and vehicle development facility in the Midlands.
Together with its Woking headquarters and carbon-fibre facility in South Yorkshire, they form an integrated UK operation, from design through to advanced manufacturing.
McLaren Automotive investment – reaction
Nick Collins, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Group Holdings and McLaren Automotive said: “This investment gives us the platform to grow, develop and build on what makes us distinctive, while investing in the people, technologies and products that will keep us competitive for decades to come.”
Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister said: “McLaren Automotive is doubling down on Britain, keeping the design, the engineering and the building of every future car here, and taking on a thousand more people to do it. Their investment will create high-quality apprenticeships, jobs and drive growth far beyond their factory gates. It is how you get skilled work, decent wages and pride back into a place.
“It’s this kind of partnership between government and business that will help us reindustrialise communities and make every part of Britain better off. I want young people to see that and know there is a future for them in making things, wherever they grew up.“
