McLaren Automotive invests £500m securing its future in the UK
McLaren Automotive, the company behind the supercars that was founded by Bruce McLaren in 1963, announced a £500m investment programme to expand its UK manufacturing, engineering and operations, as it looks to the future of its next generation of models.
L’IMAD, a sovereign investor of the Government of Abu Dhabi - and a large McLaren Automotive shareholder - reinforces McLaren’s investment to Britain.
Expansion Plans
The investment will expand McLaren’s production capability with the aim to increase vehicle output and retain the built-in-Britain pride associated with the British supercar brand. This will also include a new performance SUV which will require a new vehicle assembly facility in the UK, too.
McLaren will also build its future powertrains in-house for the first time, starting with two new engines and transmissions supporting the company’s hybrid engine strategy, that started with the McLaren P1. Plus it will expand its McLaren Production Centre in Woking as well as its carbon-fibre manufacturing and research facility in South Yorkshire.
It also has two new UK sites, one in Bicester which is a design and innovation centre, and a testing and vehicle development facility in the Midlands.
Over 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs across McLaren's UK operations will be created by 2032 with its manufacturing workforce set to double including new apprenticeships. The investment will also create a further 3,000 additional jobs in the supply chain, further boosting the British Automotive sector.
Jassem Al Zaabi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of L’IMAD, said: “Over the past 20 months, L’IMAD has worked closely with McLaren Automotive’s management team, supporting the business in sharpening its strategic direction and positioning itself for long-term growth. This investment reflects our confidence in its potential and our commitment to backing the business through its next chapter, building on the heritage, engineering excellence, and distinctive brand that has defined McLaren for more than six decades."
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."
———
About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb
