Manufacturing investment holds steady – ONS
Investment in the UK manufacturing sector held steady in the third quarter of the year but remained at a low ebb compared with the same period in 2011, according to official figures announced today (27 Nov).
The data from the Office for National Statistics showed business investment in private sector manufacturing had changed little at £3.2 billion (1.4%) when compared with the previous quarter.
There was an increase of £0.2 billion in metal and metal goods (32.8%) and an increase of £0.1 billion in food, drink and tobacco (14.8%). These increases were partially offset by a decrease in other manufacturing, down £0.1 billion (-19.6%).
Compared with the third quarter of 2011, business investment in manufacturing fell by £0.2 billion (-6.7%), with falls in engineering and vehicles of £0.2 billion (-18.8%) and food, drink and tobacco of £0.1 billion (-18.5%).
