By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-16 09:50:55 | Updated at 2026-09-16 10:41:08
1 hour ago
Iconic British car brand McLaren has confirmed its intention to invest £500million into its UK operations and support the creation of 1,000 high-skilled jobs.
McLaren Automotive will expand its UK footprint at its manufacturing and R&D facilities in Woking and South Yorkshire with the huge investment.
The funding programme stems from a commitment by shareholder L'IMAD, a sovereign investor of the Government of Abu Dhabi, to anchor its future in the UK.
It will create new facilities, focusing on design, engineering, advanced manufacturing and vehicle development.
Critically, the funding will allow McLaren to build engines in-house in the UK for the first time in its storied 63-year history.
McLaren aims to start with two new engines and transmissions, and will support the brand's hybrid engine strategy, which was pioneered in the McLaren P1.
These facilities will support the creation of 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs by 2032 and create new opportunities for existing employees.
An additional 3,000 jobs are expected to be created across the supply chain, further boosting the UK's automotive and manufacturing sectors.
McLaren has confirmed that it will invest £500million to ensure its future in the UK
MCLAREN
Two new sites have recently been opened, including a design and innovation centre at the McLaren Creation Centre in Bicester and a testing and vehicle development facility in the Midlands.
These will operate in partnership with McLaren's Woking headquarters and carbon-fibre facility in South Yorkshire to form an integrated UK operation.
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."
McLaren aims to create 1,000 new high-skilled direct and indirect jobs in the UK by 2032
MCLAREN
The investment has been backed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who praised McLaren for "doubling down on Britain" by focusing its operations in the UK.
He added: "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."
With the new funding, McLaren will be able to expand its production capability, which will include a newly confirmed performance SUV.
The investment will strengthen McLaren's expertise in lightweighting, carbon fibre and advanced manufacturing
MCLAREN
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and First Secretary of State Louise Haigh will visit McLaren's Technology Centre in Woking later today.
Downing Street recently held a roundtable and reception with business leaders to discuss how the Government and industry can work together to create jobs and unlock further investment.
Louise Haigh described the new investment as a "vote of confidence in our advanced manufacturing sector and a testament to the world-leading skills".
"Today's investment will create hundreds of new high-skilled jobs, including new apprenticeships for young people across the country," the Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley noted.
