The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and the Department for Business are urging luminaire and lighting equipment makers to bid for a share of a newly-released £100 million government fund.
The funding is to help lighting companies bring manufacturing back to the UK. Most companies have their light bulbs manufactured in China as the production costs are much cheaper.
The Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI) have secured nearly half a billion pounds of public-private investment for 44 projects in the UK, some of it in the lighting industry. This particular fund will provide research and development support, skills training, investment capital and encourage major suppliers to return their manufacturing to Britain.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said to the press:
A strong manufacturing sector is vital to a balanced economic recovery and I want to ensure that Britain’s supply chains are up to the task of supporting the sector in the long term. Our industrial strategy, which has given business the confidence to invest, is paying dividends in the re-shoring we have seen so far. We will continue to support businesses to secure more highly skilled jobs and a stronger economy.
For more details and information visit: www.financebirmingham.com/amsci/2014