The UK is home to many great manufacturing companies across various sectors. These sectors include FMCG, aerospace, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and more.
As a result, these manufacturing companies contribute significantly to the UK economy via job creation, innovation, and global competition.
Top Manufacturing Companies in the UK
Here are the top 20 manufacturing companies in the UK.
1. Rolls-Royce Holdings
Founded in 1904, Rolls-Royce is known for its aerospace, defense, and power systems. It is one of the top manufacturing companies in the UK that deals with power systems and services for aviation, energy, defense, and marine applications. Main products include engines, turbines, and power generation systems.
2. BAE Systems
BAE Systems is one of the largest defense companies in the world. Founded in 1999, they provide advanced technology and services to government worldwide. In addition, BAE operates in the aerospace, defense, and security sectors. Main products include military aircraft, naval ships, combat vehicles, advanced electronics systems, etc.
3. Unilever
Established in 1929, Unilever is one of the top manufacturing companies in the UK. As an FMCG company, they produce several products like food, beverages, cleaning agents, and personal care items. Apart from the UK, Unilever maintains a strong presence worldwide. Also, some of their UK brands include Ben & Jerry’s, Cif, Dove, Knorr, Vaseline, and others.
4. GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue. Thus, they focus on researching, developing, and manufacturing prescription medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. Regarding medicines, its main areas include HIV, infectious diseases, oncology, immunology, and vaccines. Critical medications are Zidovudine (HIV infection), valacyclovir (herpes), albendazole (parasites), and others. Regarding consumer healthcare, GSK manufactures various consumer health products, including over-the-counter medicines (Panadol) and oral care products (Sensodyne toothpaste).
5. Jaguar Land Rover Automotive
Jaguar Land Rover is a British automotive company that produces passenger cars, sedans, and luxury cars under Jaguar and Land Rover brands. Current Models: Jaguar F-Pace, Jaguar E-Pace, Jaguar I-Pace, Jaguar XE, and others.
6. JCB
Recognized globally for its construction and agricultural machinery, JCB is one of the UK’s top manufacturing companies. Founded in 1945, it is the world’s 3rd largest construction equipment maker and a key player in the heavy machinery sector. JCB makes forklift trucks, excavators, tractors, and other excavation and materials handling products. Also, apart from the UK, the firm exports its machinery to over 150 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Australia.
7. GKN
Established in 1759, GKN specializes in producing aerospace components, edrive systems, driveline systems, and advanced technology solutions for various industries. As one of the top manufacturing companies in the UK, the company is organized into four sectors: GKN Aerospace, Automotive, and Powder Metallurgy.
8. AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company researching, developing, and selling prescription medicines. It develops, manufactures and sells pharmaceutical and biotechnology products to treat disorders in the oncology, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, infection, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation areas. Some of its drugs include Farxiga, Soliris, Lynparza, Symbicort, and others. In addition, It developed the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic period from 2020-2022.
9. Diageo
Founded in 1997, Diageo is a multinational alcoholic beverages company that produces and distributes a wide range of spirits, beer, and wine. As a top manufacturing company in the UK, Diageo owns a diverse portfolio of iconic brands and operates in over 180 countries. These brands include
Johnnie Walker, J&B, Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Gordon’s gin.
10. Airbus UK
As the UK’s leading aircraft manufacturer, Airbus UK plays a vital role in producing wings and other components for Airbus aircraft. The company’s operations in the UK span engineering, manufacturing, and research and development.
11. Nestle UK
Nestle UK is a subsidiary of Nestle, one of the world’s largest food & beverage companies. Established in 1866, the company manufactures and distributes various products, including confectionery, coffee, dairy, and pet food. In addition, their brands include KitKat, Smarties, Maggi, Nescafé, KitKat, Purina pet foods, etc.
Read: Nestle in the UK: History, Brands, and Factory Locations
12. Toyota Manufacturing UK
Toyota Manufacturing UK is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers. As one of the top manufacturing companies in the UK, it produces vehicles and engines for domestic and export to European markets. Its main car models are the Toyota Corolla E210 & Suzuki Swace. Toyota decided to establish a manufacturing operation in the UK in 1989. Thus, the company operates two manufacturing plants in the UK:
- Vehicle manufacturing plant, Burnaston, Derbyshire
- Engine manufacturing plant, Deeside, North Wales.
13. Tata Steel UK
Tata Steel UK is a subsidiary of Tata Steel, one of the world’s largest steel producers. The company’s manufacturing facilities in the UK produce high-quality steel products for various industries, including construction, automotive, and engineering.
14. Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
It is a subsidiary of Nissan, a global automotive company. With its manufacturing plant in Sunderland, Nissan is one of the largest car manufacturing facilities in Europe. It produces vehicles for both domestic and international markets. Also, its main car models are the Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Juke & Nissan Leaf.
15. Reckitt Benckiser Group
Reckitt Benckiser Group is a multinational consumer goods company that manufactures and markets various skin care, nutrition, hygiene, and personal care products. As one of the top manufacturing companies in the UK, Reckitt’s brands include Dettol, Strepsils, Air Wick, Clearasil, Gaviscon, Harpic, etc.
16. Ford Motor Company
As a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, It is one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers. Ford produces vehicles and engines at their manufacturing sites in Dagenham for the domestic and export markets. Its models include Kuga S-MAX, Puma, Fiesta, etc.
17. Mars UK
Mars UK Ltd is a subsidiary of Mars Incorporated, a global food and confectionery company. They produce various products, including chocolate bars, pet food, chewing gums, and confectioneries. Also, its popular brands include Mars, Snickers, Twix, Maltesers, Galaxy, Ben’s Original, Dove, and others.
18. Gilead Sciences Ltd
It is a prominent top manufacturing company in the UK. This pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, and selling medicines for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, & influenza treatments, and others. Key drugs include Epclusa, Harvon, Hepsera, Sovaldi, and Vemlidy.
19. British American Tobacco
British American Tobacco (BAT) is a leading global tobacco company. With a strong presence in the UK, BAT manufactures and distributes a wide range of cigarettes, tobacco E-cigarettes, and other nicotine products. Its cigarette brands include Dunhill, Velo, Rothmans, Vuse, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, etc.
20. Ineos Group Limited
Ineos is among the largest chemical companies in the world. Among the top manufacturing companies in the UK, they produce chemicals, petrochemicals, and plastics for various sectors. These include pharmaceuticals, fuel, packaging, construction, automotive, textiles, technology, agriculture, and transport. Also, Ineos and Petro China own and operate the Grangemouth refinery on the Firth of Forth in Grangemouth, Scotland’s east coast. The Grangemouth refinery provides fuel to Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland.
21. Pladis Global
It is a confectionery and snack foods company that makes biscuits, chocolate, wafers, cakes, gum, and candy. Also, the company operates plants in 11 countries, and its products reach around 4 billion customers worldwide in 120 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. In addition, its brands include Hobnobs, Jaffa Cakes, McVitie’s Digestives, etc.
22. Rio Tinto
A multinational British-Australian company. The company operates on 6 continents. In addition, it is a world leader in producing uranium, aluminum, coal, copper, iron ore, bauxite, gold, diamonds etc.
23. Anglo American
As one of the top manufacturing companies in the UK, It is the world’s largest producer of platinum, with about 40% of global output. In addition, it produces diamonds, copper, nickel, iron ore, and coal. The company operates in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Europe.
24. Imperial Brands
Imperial Brands is the 4th largest international cigarette company after Philip Morris, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco. Apart from cigarettes, Imperial Brands produces, markets and distributes cigars, vapes, snus, and nicotine. Some of its brands include Bastos, Ducados, Dutch Masters (cigar), and Backwoods Smokes.
25. Kellogg’s
It is a multinational food manufacturing company known for its breakfast cereals, crackers, cereal bars, and other snacks. Kellogg’s largest factory is at Trafford Park in Trafford, Greater Manchester, which is also the location of its UK headquarters. Also, their famous brands include Rice Krispies Treats, Pringles, Eggo, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Frosties, and Coco Pops.
26. Pfizer UK
Pfizer UK is a subsidiary of Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical company. As a top manufacturing company in the UK, Pfizer is one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the UK. The company develops and produces drugs, vaccines, and consumer health products for humans and animals. Thus, it develops and makes medicines & vaccines for immunology, oncology, cardiology, and others. Its drugs include Accupril, Benefix, Vfend, Eraxis, and Viagra.
27. Dyson
Dyson is a technology company known for its innovative household appliances, including vacuum cleaners, hairdryers, and air purifiers.
28. Associated British Foods
It is a British international food processing & retailing company. It is among the top manufacturing companies in the UK due to its many subsidiaries. These include AB Agri, AB Sugar, ACH Food Companies, British Sugar, Dorset Cereals, Illovo Sugar, Primark, etc. The subsidiaries cover ABF brands including Ovaltine, Ryvita, Silver Spoon, Jordans, Kingsmill and Twinings.
29. Procter & Gamble UK
It is a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble that specializes in making personal health/consumer health, personal care and hygiene products. With a diverse portfolio of brands like Vick, Always, Pampers, Ariel, and Gillette, P&G UK is a significant player in the UK’s consumer goods industry.
30. Coca-Cola European Partners
It is the leading beverage company in the UK. This global beverage company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola products and other drinks. In the UK, these brands include Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Capri-Sun, Monster Energy, Schweppes, Powerade, etc.
31. Johnson Matthey
Founded in 1817, it is a renowned chemicals manufacturing company in the UK. They specialize in catalysis, precious metals, and fine chemicals. Thus, its products are used in diverse applications, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Johnson Matthey operates several manufacturing facilities across the UK, including in Royston, Hertfordshire, and Brimsdown.
Read: Top Chemical Manufacturing Companies in the UK
32. Mondelēz International
It is a multinational confectionery, food & beverage company making treats in the UK for nearly two hundred years. As one of the top manufacturing companies in the UK, it is home to iconic brands, including Cadbury, Oreo, Halls, Toblerone, and Ritz.
33. Siemens
Renowned for its advanced manufacturing solutions, Siemens UK operates in various sectors, including electronics, machinery manufacturing, and industrial automation.
34. Sony UK Technology Centre.
Sony UK Technology Centre, based in Pencoed, South Wales, is a division of Sony Europe BV. It is the only electronics manufacturing site for the brand in the UK. The facility produces a range of electronic devices like televisions, cameras, and professional audio equipment for domestic customers and exports.
35. Japan Tobacco International.
JTI is the leading tobacco company in the UK involved in the manufacturing and distributing tobacco products worldwide. These include cigarettes, cigars, hand-rolling tobacco, tobacco-free nicotine pouches, heated tobacco and vaping products. In addition, JTI has its UK headquarters in Putney, London.
36. BMW UK Manufacturing Ltd.
Operates a car production plant in Oxford for manufacturing MINI vehicles and Goodwood for producing Rolls-Royce cars.
37. AG Barr
AG Barr is a well-known beverage company that manufactures popular soft drinks such as Irn-Bru and Rubicon.
38. ABB Ltd.
A global manufacturer of robotics, power grids, and automation technology, ABB provides industrial solutions for various sectors, including manufacturing. ABB operates from around 20 locations throughout the UK.
The UK is home to several more manufacturing companies besides those mentioned above. Their contributions to the UK manufacturing landscape are crucial for economic growth, job creation, and global market competitiveness.
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