Basingstoke and Deane has a rich history as a manufacturing hub. Renowned brands like Burberry and Thornycroft paved the way for the borough's thriving manufacturing sector. From paper production pioneers like Henry Portal to the iconic Burberry clothing factory, Basingstoke and Deane has a proud tradition of innovation and manufacturing excellence.

Today, this legacy continues with the borough being home to LG Motion, Middlesex Aerospace and ASK Technology among others. The borough boasts a diverse range of manufacturing firms, from digital hardware to pharmaceuticals and jewellery to silk.

As we celebrate 50 years since the creation of the borough of Basingstoke and Deane, we decided to explore the exciting story of manufacturing in Basingstoke and Deane by speaking to some of the local businesses. They range in size and how long they’ve been here and what they manufacture. You may be surprised to know what is made right here on our doorstep!

Who we spoke to

Whitchurch Silk Mill on the banks of the River Test in beautiful Whitchurch was built in 1815 and has produced silk for over 200 years making it the oldest organisation we spoke to. Over the last 35 years it has also been a living museum making it a visitor attraction as well. It is the UK’s oldest working silk mill and the only place visitors can see silk being woven. Over the last few years, the mill has trained a team of Weaver Tacklers in the endangered craft of silk weaving and is producing its own designs of silk scarves that sell out quickly.

A family run business that has operated since 1945, Middlesex Aerospace manufactures and assembles safety critical parts for the aerospace industry from a variety of exotic materials. They've had facilities in Basingstoke since 1970, moving to their current 55,000sq/ft facility in 1974. These facilities allow them to support landing gear manufacture, propeller hub production and helicopter gearbox applications to name a few. 

Established in 1979, Petra Jewellery recently celebrated its 45^th anniversary. An independent family jewellers based at Viables Craft Centre and run by mother/daughter duo Petra and Mitch, it operates out of The Cottage at Viables Craft Centre, offering a range of bespoke services, from jewellery design and gemstone viewing experiences to remodelling and repairs. They are a team of seven to 10, including a talented in-house goldsmith.. 

ASK Technology is a printed circuit board assembly house based in West Ham Industrial Estate in Basingstoke. For over 20 years, ASK has worked with hundreds of high technology clients for their electronic assembly needs. Particularly focusing on research and development requirements, ASK has helped to develop, realise and bring to market many thousands of devices and products. ASK has over 60 employees in a 13,000sq ft factory facility close to Basingstoke town centre.

Founded in 2004 in Basingstoke on a dining room table, LG Motion has consistently demonstrated a passion for precision and innovation in the world of motion control. What began as a small team of two, working out of humble premises on Bessemer Road in April 2005, has grown into a thriving company now based in a larger facility on Telford Road since 2010 with a team of over 15 highly skilled professionals.

Established in 2005, MiniTec UK is a leading name in modular aluminium profile systems. Founded in Bessemer Road, Basingstoke, with a dedicated team of just three, it relocated to a larger facility on Telford Road to accommodate its growing team, which now includes over 20 skilled professionals. 

Skills development

As we explored the manufacturing landscape in Basingstoke and Deane, it became evident that skills development is a top priority for local businesses. Companies recognise the importance of investing in their employees to grow their businesses, attract and retain talent, and ensure long-term success.

Many companies are actively involved in training programmes, both internal and external, to ensure their employees have the skills needed to excel in their roles. LG Motion emphasised the importance of a skilled team for achieving future success, while Middlesex Aerospace highlighted their long-standing apprenticeship programme. Petra Jewellery told us that the  professional development opportunities they offer align to it’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and exceptional service.

“Middlesex has run a successful apprenticeship scheme for over 70 years, offering apprenticeships all the way to degree level, and over this time have trained in excess of 1,000 skilled individuals. This year they have taken on a further three individuals that will gain exposure of all areas of the business - over a third of its management board are ex-apprentices. Being able to offer this keeps the skills required for precision engineering within the business.”

It’s also very clear that these organisations are all investing in the future workforce through apprenticeships, work placements or involvement with local schools and colleges.  ASK, Petra Jewellery and Whitchurch Silk Mill are actively involved in promoting manufacturing careers to young people through school and college partnerships.

“This year we hosted three six-week heritage skills placements so that young people can gain a valuable insight into the mill’s work and gain skills themselves. This creates a ladder of opportunity to engage future generations in the work of the mill.” Sue Tapliss, Whitchurch Silk Mill  

Employing a local workforce

“As a Basingstoke-based company, we take pride in sourcing local talent, often enrolling them in apprenticeship courses at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT) to integrate them seamlessly into our business.” LG Motion

Clearly there are a diverse range of skills needed in this industry. Whilst many would assume that working for a manufacturing company involves making things, they need, just like many other industries, people to look after their marketing, their staff and their customers. Over 90% of ASK Technology’s staff are from Basingstoke and with full training they have many successful examples of career development and upskilling opportunities in electronics production. The silk mill on the other hand has a relatively small employed workforce but have a large community of volunteers that help out guiding tours and stewarding.

Involvement in the local community

Involvement in the local community seems to extend beyond these organisations’ work with schools and colleges. Middlesex Aerospace support local football teams whilst Petra Jewellery is sponsoring the St Michaels Hospice Moonlight Walk this month and LG Motion is sponsoring an award at the Exit 6 Film Festival.

"Our involvement in charity events, such as hosting MacMillan Coffee Mornings and creating jewellery collections that support NHS charities, is just one example of how we engage with and support local causes. By participating in community events and sponsoring local initiatives, we aim to make a positive impact beyond our shop doors." Petra Jewellery

The future of manufacturing in Basingstoke and Deane

As technology continues to evolve, the manufacturing landscape in Basingstoke and Deane is adapting and innovating and the borough remains an attractive location for manufacturing companies to base themselves.