Automotive
Swansea Bay has had associations with the automotive industry almost from the start. Visteon, Calsonic, Camford Pressings and Hilex Cable amongst many others continue to supply components to the major vehicle manufacturers. Swansea Bay Partnership has representation at the major Motor Shows, bringing local companies and the buyers together.
A cluster of automotive companies operate at Dafen near Llanelli, and it is here that an Auto Technium is being developed, a hot-house for new and ground-breaking enterprises in this sector. Land is available too at the Baglan Energy Park, with the attendant benefit of low cost power.
There is a good pool of skilled labour, while the existence locally of many small feeder companies keeps transport costs down. Coleg Sir Gar, the local college of further education, has established a dedicated manufacturing centre to train the automotive engineers of the future.
Regional Selective Assistance Grants are the highest in Europe: up to 47% for SMEs, 35% for non-SMEs.