Global Scans · Manufacturing · Weekly Summary

• [New] The deal, worth £1 billion ($1.3 billion) for 23 medium-lift support helicopters, will help secure thousands of jobs at Britain's last military helicopter manufacturing site in Yeovil, southwest England. The Defense Post
• [New] The world is facing a widespread manufacturing skills gap, with an estimated 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030. Morningstar, Inc.
• [New] Contrary to fears about automation eliminating manufacturing jobs, countries like China demonstrate that manufacturing can absorb hundreds of millions of workers even as robots proliferate. Global Currents
• The solar sector employed almost 650,000 people in the EU in 2022, with projections of 1 million jobs by 2025 and potentially 1.6 million by 2027 under High Scenario, reflecting strong job creation potential across manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and operations. Persistence Market Research
• The 20-year project is projected to build four factories, create 50,000 jobs, and anchor central New York as a semiconductor hub for manufacturing and advanced technology jobs. WSTM
• Eli Lilly plans to open a $3.5 billion weight-loss drug manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, creating 850 permanent jobs. Ermer and Suter PLLC
• The Global South countries will need to guard against the flood of imported manufacturing goods from China, safeguarding their national interests through industrial policies aimed at protecting and creating jobs. The Tribune
• Up to 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could remain unfilled by 2030 due to a shortage of qualified workers. WESR
• With over 90% of Canadian-made vehicles and 60% of Canadian-made parts exported to the United States, U.S. automotive tariffs are threatening Canada's automotive manufacturing industry and the 125,000 direct jobs it supports. Prime Minister of Canada
• As smaller jobs continue to shift around more frequently due to tariffs, industry consolidation and demand uncertainty, many plastics processors in 2026 will double down on offering basic manufacturing services that compete on agility and reliable execution with minimal automation investment. Plastics Technology
• A manufacturing-led pathway could add US$ 168 billion in output, create 35 million more jobs, and lift 19.1 million people out of poverty by 2043. ISS Africa

Last updated: 08 March 2026