Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone set to create 6,000 jobs, says Chancellor Rachel Reeves

Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlines plans to boost economic growth in North Wales, with £1 billion investment over the next decade.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that Wrexham and Flintshire will be part of a new Investment Zone, aimed at driving economic growth and creating up to 6,000 jobs in advanced manufacturing.

Announcing the plan in a speech in Oxfordshire, Reeves highlighted North Wales’ manufacturing strengths, citing the role of major employers such as Airbus and Toyota.

The zone is expected to attract £1 billion of investment over the next ten years.

The government said it is committed to delivering economic growth more rapidly as part of its Plan for Change strategy, ensuring investment in regions that have previously been overlooked.

The Investment Zone will focus on advanced manufacturing, reinforcing the area’s industrial expertise and supply chains.

The specific sites targeted for investment include Deeside Industrial Estate, home to Tata Steel and Toyota; Hawarden Airport, where Airbus operates; Llay Industrial Estate, a hub for aerospace businesses; and Wrexham Industrial Estate, which houses a range of manufacturers including JCB.

Reeves said: “For too long, we have accepted low expectations and accepted decline. We no longer have to do that. We can do so much better. Low growth is not our destiny, but growth will not come without a fight. With a government willing to take the right decisions now to change our country’s future for the better, that’s what our Plan for Change is all about.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens welcomed the announcement, saying the investment will be “transformational” for northeast Wales.

“This Investment Zone will super-charge economic growth, create up to 6,000 new jobs, and generate £1 billion of private investment, which will have a transformational impact for people living and working in northeast Wales,” she said.

MP for Clwyd East Becky Gittins called the move “a huge vote of confidence” for North Wales, recognising both its current capabilities and future growth potential.

“Today’s announcement from the Chancellor is fantastic news for North Wales, which is playing its part in driving growth across the UK economy,” she said. “This investment recognises both the current expertise in the region and its potential for further growth, leading to more jobs for our highly skilled workforce.”