MANUFACTURING IN CORNWALL

With a diverse manufacturing scene covering everything from aerospace to power generation to food and drink and textiles, pharmaceutical to construction to the automotive industry, there is not a sector of industry across the world that Cornwall’s manufacturers don’t play a part in.

DID YOU KNOW?

The UK’s manufacturing sector supports 2.6million jobs, contributes a GVA of £224bn and accounts for 49% of all UK exports with six of the top ten export markets for UK goods remaining in the EU.

Manufacturing is a key part of the UK’s economic growth, driving investment, innovation and productivity, playing a vital role in upskilling and future-proofing the UK’s workforce.

200,000 people are employed in manufacturing across the South West and with higher than average regional and national salary averages, the sector is a highly attractive career option.

Cornwall’s 1360 manufacturers account for 9% of Cornwall’s £10.9bn GVA and employ over 16,000 people with an entry salary 30% higher than the average wage in the county.

Our members employ over 4000 staff with an average starting salary of £36,800 and an average turnover of £6.15m, contributing £235m to the local economy annually.

ABOUT THE CMG

We publicly represent manufacturing to industry bodies and governmental agencies in Cornwall and across the UK. We are a collective voice for our members, delivering what matters to them to an audience of manufacturing and governmental influencers who would otherwise be difficult to communicate with as a single business.

We work with Cornwall Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Make UK, the FSB and other organisations to share the issues affecting manufacturing in Cornwall and to shape its future.

However, we’re not all lobbying and challenging. We nurture and encourage talent with our skills programmes, we share industry insights, our members have a confidential platform where they lean on each other for valuable insider knowledge and we celebrate manufacturing together.

TRAINING

We are also responsible for the Developing Skills for Business (DS4B) programme.

Funded through the European Social Fund, we have worked with employers to design, develop and improve the relevance of skills training for manufacturing SME’s across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

All the courses have been designed to suit our members workforce and are aimed at increasing capacity and capability.

From half day courses to a few months, from intermediate to advanced levels, they are all delivered across different manufacturing sites within Cornwall and incorporate site tours.

COURSES

If you are looking for industry specific training but can’t source the relevant courses at a price and location to suit, then please get in touch on hello@the-cmg.co.uk.

AWARDS

Our biennial Cornwall Manufacturers Group ‘industry Oscars’ awards night returns on Thursday 6 November 2025, set against the stunning backdrop of the Eden Project.

Championing the sectors achievements, from apprentices and rising stars to exporters, innovators, and digital trailblazers, this is the moment for everyone in manufacturing in Cornwall to be recognised.

Whether you’re producing candles, pharmaceuticals, food & drink, or precision components – if you make it in Cornwall, this is the platform.

Motivated by a mission to promote best practice in manufacturing, we highlight the achievements of the best across several categories, including:

Recognised and sponsored by MAKE UK (The Manufacturers Organisation) the event highlights the increasingly national and international role Cornwall’s manufacturers contribute to the global economy.

It’s also a stepping stone to regional and national acclaim via the Make UK Awards.

For an opportunity to showcase your dynamic and progressive manufacturing sector, access the awards application form here or via cmg@cornwallmanufacturersgroup.co.uk

Tickets for the event are available here