Manufacturing makes up 11% of the UK Gross Value Add and 54% of UK exports and directly employs 2.6 million people.
The UK has a strong history in manufacturing and is currently the 11th largest manufacturing nation in the world.
However, it is recognised that we need to grow our position. There has been an increase in investment to ensure value to Scotland, UK and the world.
The theme addresses a range of capabilities across the product and service life spectrum from product and engineering design and manufacturing operations to in use condition monitoring, remanufacturing and disposal processes. Activity within this theme is applicable to a broad range of industrial sectors from aerospace and automotive, to medical devices and food and drink.