Top 10: Manufacturing Companies in the UK & Europe

The manufacturing sector in the United Kingdom and Europe is a symbol of economic strength and innovation.

From automotive giants to pharmaceutical leaders, the sector is characterised by a diverse array of companies that lead in various industries.

These companies not only contribute significantly to their respective economies but also set benchmarks for quality, sustainability and technological advancement.

Here are our top ten ordered according to 2023 global revenue, converted to USD to cater to our global audience.

10. British Steel Ltd

• 2023 Revenue: US$755m
• CEO: Xijun Cao
• Founding Date: 1967

British Steel Ltd is a leading manufacturer in the UK and Europe due to its extensive production capabilities and strategic regional presence.

The company produces approximately 3 million tonnes of high-quality steel products annually. It offers 1,450 different specifications of these products which include wire rod, sections, special profiles, rail, billet, bloom and slab.

British Steel Ltd's manufacturing facilities are precisely located across the UK and Europe, with major sites in Scunthorpe, Teesside and Skinningrove in the UK, and Alblasserdam in the Netherlands.

9. Rolls-Royce 

• 2023 Revenue: US$2bn
• CEO: Tufan Erginbilgic
• Founding Date: 1906

Rolls-Royce  has a strong reputation for engineering excellence, particularly in the aerospace and defence sectors, that has made it a market leader in UK and Europe. 

As the world's second-largest maker of aircraft engines, Rolls-Royce has established a dominant position in the industry and today powers over half of the world's wide-body aircraft fleet. 

Rolls-Royce's economic impact is substantial, contributing billions to the UK and other European economies, supporting thousands of jobs.

8. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)

• 2023 Revenue: US$23.97bn
• CEO: Adrian Mardell 
• Founding Date: 2008 (Jaguar in 1922, Land Rover in 1948)

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is a leading manufacturer in the UK and Europe due to its strong heritage, significant production capabilities and commitment to innovation.

As the largest automotive manufacturer in the UK, JLR operates two iconic brands: Land Rover, known for its premium all-wheel-drive vehicles, and Jaguar, renowned for luxury sports saloons and sports cars. 

The company employs over 43,000 people globally and supports an extensive network of dealerships and suppliers, creating around 240,000 additional jobs.

7. BAE Systems

• 2023 Revenue: US$28.70bn
• CEO: Charles Woodburn
• Founding Date: 1999

BAE Systems has cemented itself as a leading manufacturer in the UK and Europe due to its dominant position in the defence and aerospace sectors.

As the largest manufacturer in Britain and the largest defence contractor in Europe, BAE Systems has established itself as a powerhouse in the industry. 

The company's extensive portfolio spans across air, naval, land, and cyber domains, with strong capabilities in advanced electronics, aircraft, naval ships, and armoured vehicles.

BAE Systems' significant economic impact is evident in its contribution of over £4 billion to the UK economy since 2003 and its role as the UK's largest employer of professional engineers

I’m extremely proud of the way our people have delivered cutting-edge equipment and services to our customers, working together with partners across our supply chain," says Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems' Chief Executive.

"Our performance, combined with our global footprint and record order intake, means we’re well-positioned for sustained growth in the coming years."

6. Tata Steel Europe

• 2023 Revenue: US$28.75bn
• CEO: T. V. Narendran
• Founding Date: 1999 

Tata Steel is leading in the UK and Europe due to its extensive operations, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to innovation.

The company has a significant presence across the region, with major steelmaking facilities in Port Talbot, Wales and IJmuiden, Netherlands. 

Tata Steel Europe produces approximately 10 million tonnes of steel annually, offering a wide range of products including hot and cold rolled coil, galvanized and colour coated coil and tinplate. 

The company's strength is further bolstered by its extensive distribution network, which is the second largest in Europe, providing processing, service and sales support to customers

5. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

• 2023 Revenue: US$37.725bn
• CEO: Emma Walmsley
• Founding Date: 2000

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a leading manufacturer in the UK and Europe due to its extensive research and development capabilities, significant market presence and diverse product portfolio.

As the largest pharmaceutical company in the UK, GSK invests billions annually in R&D, with its global R&D hub in Stevenage focusing on developing vital medicines. 

The company's strong manufacturing footprint is evident in its numerous facilities across Europe as well, producing a wide range of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. 

4. AstraZeneca

• 2023 Revenue: US$45.81bn
• CEO: Pascal Soriot
• Founding Date: 1999

AstraZeneca is high on this list due to its extensive research and development capabilities, significant production capacity, and strategic investments across the region.

As the largest biopharmaceutical company in the UK, AstraZeneca operates major research and manufacturing facilities, including its global R&D centre in Cambridge and its second-largest manufacturing site in Macclesfield.

The company is known for its work in oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory treatments.

3. Unilever

• 2023 Revenue: US$64.5bn
• CEO: Hein Schumacher
• Founding Date: 1929

Unilever is a prominent manufacturer in the UK and Europe due to its extensive history, global reach, and diverse portfolio of well-known brands.

Founded in 1929, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, with products available in over 190 countries. 

Unilever's significant presence in the UK is evident through its 90+ years of operations, over 80 brands in the market, and presence in 98% of UK households

Unilever manufactures a wide range of consumer goods, including food, beverages, cleaning agents, and personal care products for both UK and European markets. 

2. Nissan

• 2023 Revenue: US$78.416bn
• CEO: Makoto Uchida 
• Founding Date: 1933

Nissan has established itself as a leading manufacturer in the UK and Europe through its significant production capabilities and strategic investments.

The company's Sunderland plant, the largest car manufacturing facility in the UK, has produced over 11 million vehicles since its inception in 1986, averaging a new car every two minutes for 37 years. 

Nissan's market presence is substantial across both the UK and Europe, delivering exceptional vehicles at a competitive cost. 

1. Siemens

• 2023 Revenue: US$83bn 
• CEO: Roland Busch
• Founding Date: 1847

Siemens is leading in the UK and Europe due to it's extensive history, diverse product range, and commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Established over 170 years ago in the UK, Siemens has a significant presence with office and manufacturing operations throughout the country, employing 11,000 people. 

It's the largest industrial manufacturing company in Europe, with core divisions in industry, energy, healthcare and infrastructure. 

Siemens is renowned for its technological advancements, particularly in medical diagnostics, where it is a leading provider globally.

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