Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ94327

The Welsh Government’s support for the manufacturing sector is framed against six core strategic objectives of our Manufacturing Action Plan (MAP):

• Address the climate emergency by decarbonising the manufacturing sector in Wales, underpinned by Circular Economy methodology.

• Develop the conditions to anchor key manufacturing companies in Wales including the provision of modern infrastructure and resilient supply chains.

• Identify and develop the necessary leadership and workforce skills required to achieve ‘Wales 4.0’.

• Strengthen collaboration between stakeholders to embrace technological change and deliver more commercial Innovation at pace.

• Embed ‘Fair Work’ employment principles in Wales, promoting inclusivity, security, and protecting our cultural heritage.

• Mobilise business support to equip Welsh manufacturers to meet future demand for products of strategic importance.

Industry Wales was established by the Welsh Government to provide unfettered advice to Ministers and governance to its 4 constituent Forums (Welsh Automotive Forum, Wales Aerospace Forum, Technology Connected and Net Zero Industry Wales). They act as a conduit between government and industry and help develop and deliver manufacturing policies and support, and were instrumental in bringing the views of the sector in the development of the MAP.

Manufacturing companies in Wales are benefiting from Welsh Government funded schemes including the Economic Futures Fund, SMART Flexible Innovation Support, the Circular Economy Fund and the Development Bank of Wales as well as advice and guidance from Business Wales.

The Toyota Lean programme, a collaboration between the Welsh Government and Toyota Lean Management Centre, is supporting Welsh companies to raise levels of productivity, increasing operational effectiveness and promoting continuous improvement.

The Welsh Government is supporting Welsh manufacturers to improve supply chain resilience and access supply chain opportunities. We are undertaking detailed supply chain mapping of existing capability/capacity against future demand, helping to inform effective targeted business support deployment.

We support Welsh manufacturers by providing a platform at UK based events and overseas trade programmes, creating opportunities to seek out new trade deals within the UK and globally in a range of sectors and export target markets.

We are using assets like the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru to help Welsh businesses access advanced manufacturing technologies to drive improvements in productivity, performance and quality.