John Redwood was a panellist at our Can manufacturing save our economy? debate last night and he's posted his thoughts on manufacturing and the event on his website. His conclusion:
"Manufacturing has to make more of its successes. Companies have to pay engineering talent world class salaries and use the poeple concerned to design and build the products of the future.
If the engineer is a manager not on the board, given a small plywood and glass box next to the shop floor, it is going to be difficult to get the engineering talent which will be offered better terms and conditions to work for an engineering consultancy or as a financial specialist in the City.
Some yesterday told me they had difficulty attracting good engineers. Grand prix car makers in Britain have no such problems, because they offer an exciting project and an attractive package. The City has no problem, because it pays high salaries.
Manufacturing just has to compete with these, and make sure they work the best hard once hired."