Astemo’s £100M Bolton Investment Boosts EV Factory and Jobs

What is Astemo’s £100 Million Investment in Bolton About?

As reported by Ben Collins of The Bolton News, Japanese multinational Astemo has announced a £100 million investment to expand its manufacturing plant in Horwich, Bolton. This major capital injection will fund the creation of a new production line dedicated to manufacturing inverters for electric vehicles, which are critical components in the EV supply chain. The project is expected to both create and safeguard approximately 220 high-skilled jobs in the region, underpinning Bolton’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

Astemo’s planned expansion marks a significant step in its global electrification strategy, positioning the Bolton plant as the sole UK facility with this capability. The new production line will support Europe’s growing EV market by manufacturing highly efficient, compact, and lightweight inverters designed to meet strict European market standards, including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and green procurement policies.

How Does This Investment Impact Local Employment and Economy?

The £100 million investment is poised to create a substantial economic boost for Bolton. As Bolton Council Leader Cllr Nick Peel stated to The Bolton News, “This is fantastic news for Bolton, which will create hundreds of jobs in Horwich, and ensure a new production line to manufacture inverters for electric vehicles."

According to Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, the investment "is a huge win for Bolton and Greater Manchester and a vote of confidence in our Plan for Change." He emphasised that the project will guard over 200 jobs, increase local earnings, and help the UK automotive sector become more competitive globally.

What Role Did the UK Government Play in Supporting Astemo’s Expansion?

The project receives backing through the UK Government’s Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), a key component of the DRIVE35 program, which invests in making the UK a leader in zero-emission vehicle technologies. The ATF funding partnership is intended to unlock private investments and build a strategic supply chain for electrification products within the UK and Europe.

Senior Astemo executives heralded the support, with Toru Kamioke, Senior Executive Vice President at Astemo, expressing that the UK government's endorsement "reflects the high regard it has for our electrification technology" and marks an important advancement in Astemo's global supply chain by adding the UK as the fourth country manufacturing these EV components, after Japan, the US, and China.

How is Greater Manchester Positioned in Attracting Foreign Direct Investment from Japanese Firms?

The investment by Astemo fits within an expanding trend of Japanese companies investing in Greater Manchester. According to the Greater Manchester Japan Business Programme, nearly £118 million has been invested by Japanese businesses in the last year. Other notable investments include Mizkan’s £17 million and Daikin’s £900,000 training centre. This surge highlights the city region’s status as the UK's foremost destination for Japanese business expansion outside London.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham commented on the investment as "a huge vote of confidence in Bolton and Greater Manchester," and pointed out that the city-region's reputation for innovation and international engagement, including a recent trade mission to Japan, has helped attract companies like Astemo.

What is the Significance of Japan Week 2025 for This Announcement?

Japan Week, running from 4th to 9th September 2025 in Manchester, serves not only as a celebration of cultural ties but as a platform to showcase business achievements such as the Astemo investment. The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, noted that the partnerships and trade development efforts with Japan have led to significant investments, jobs, and opportunities benefitting the whole region.

The Japan Week Business Programme included seminars and events highlighting opportunities for future trade and the strength of Japanese investments in Greater Manchester, reinforcing the area's position as a key business hub for Japanese firms in Europe.

What Does Astemo’s Global and Local Presence Look Like?

Astemo, headquartered in Tokyo, is a joint venture between Hitachi, Honda Motor, and JIC Capital, employing 80,000 people worldwide. Its operations span four major regions: Americas, Asia, China, and Europe. The UK plant in Bolton, hosting over 100 employees, specialises in manufacturing automotive components such as Air Flow meters, Engine Control Units, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems products.

This new inverter production line will enhance Astemo UK's manufacturing capabilities in electric vehicle components and support local supply chains to reduce emissions by meeting green procurement policies, thus making Astemo a major contributor to the UK and European EV markets.

Why Is This Investment Considered a Boost for the UK’s Automotive Future?

The expansion of Astemo in Bolton is a clear indicator of the UK's commitment to building a robust zero-emission vehicle sector, crucial for meeting climate goals and sustaining economic development in advanced manufacturing. The Automotive Transformation Fund underwrites projects like Astemo's to position the UK as a global leader in EV technologies and associated supply chains.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds summarised the impact: “We’re helping British auto manufacturers get to the front of the pack by working hand in hand with investors to build a globally competitive zero-emission vehicle supply chain in the UK,” which will bring growth, jobs, and increased prosperity across the country.