Engineering & Automotive

Engineering

Luton is synonymous with vehicle manufacturing and high-precision engineering.

In 1905 Vauxhall opened the country’s first large-scale car factory in Luton. Today IBC (GM-owned) produces light commercial vehicles here, and the town is home to world-leading British and international engineering companies serving the automotive, aviation, defence and pharmaceutical industries.

Boasting the largest concentration of precision engineering in the greater London area, and the benefits of lower business costs, Luton offers immediate access to key clusters such as the A1(M) pharmaceutical corridor, the Midlands automotive sector and Motorsport Valley, whose world-leading engineering, research and development companies stretch from Luton to Coventry.

Luton can point to more than a century of successful engineering and manufacturing activity, and the wide range of companies here includes many with their headquarters.

Firms have adapted to the evolving economic climate, locally, nationally and overseas by taking up new opportunities in emerging technologies and markets. This includes the key local sector linked to aviation and London Luton Airport, and also other expanding sectors such as the ICT and health markets.

All this activity means Luton offers access to a wide range of engineering related skills and supply chain businesses in surrounding areas including Dunstable, Kempston and Hitchin.

Local educational establishments also feature a range of engineering and management courses relevant to the sector, further boosting access to skills.

Engineering businesses in Luton

Luton and the surrounding area has a thriving engineering business sector.