Pictured:  Leader of Staffordshire County Council Philip Atkins, Leader of Wolverhampton City Council Roger Lawrence and Leader of South Staffordshire Council Brian Edwards 

Leaders at three councils say today's announcement that Jaguar Land Rover has chosen i54 South Staffordshire site as its location for a new manufacturing plant demonstrates the area's potential to attract global business.

The bid to attract JLR to the site was jointly made by Staffordshire County Council, Wolverhampton City Council and South Staffordshire Council. i54 South Staffordshire is now included in one of the Government's new Enterprise Zones.

Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins said: "This is tremendous news for Staffordshire and Wolverhampton, the Midlands and the UK.  When made aware of the interest in the site by Jaguar Land Rover, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet, along with that in Wolverhampton, acted promptly and decisively in making the decision to invest in it. We worked hard in a short space of time to make absolutely sure our bid met the expectations of a world leading company.

This is a fantastic spur for regional growth and job creation. A major business like JLR attracts further investment which we're ready for in Staffordshire and the wider region. The benefits of the i54 South Staffordshire site are numerous, not least because of its central location, communication links and skilled workforce on its doorstep. It's close to the home of Jaguar and means we're at the heart of the automotive industry. We know that this momentous decision means that international business views Staffordshire as the place to be. We look forward to building on this success and seeing further growth and investment."

Councillor Roger Lawrence, leader of Wolverhampton City Council, said:"Today's news is a huge shot in the arm to the economy of Wolverhampton and surrounding areas. The fact that a prestigious luxury car manufacturer like this has chosen i54 South Staffordshire is a vote of confidence in our city and the West Midlands as a whole. A plant of this nature will bring at least 1,000 skilled jobs not just at the site itself but also through the supply chain.

"We are all working to transform Wolverhampton's economy and the importance of today's announcement as a catalyst in making those ambitions a reality cannot be underestimated. I am hugely encouraged by the cooperation demonstrated by the three local authorities (Wolverhampton City Council, Staffordshire County Council and South Staffordshire District Council) in working together to really sell the benefits of i54 South Staffordshire to a global brand like Jaguar Land Rover."

Councillor Brian Edwards, Leader of South Staffordshire Council has welcomed Jaguar Land Rover's decision to move to i54 South Staffordshire:

"Our area has a long and proud history in the motor car industry - and this deal signals the start of a brand new chapter. With Moog, Eurofins and now one of the world's finest motor car companies on board at i54 South Staffordshire - this could really change the face of our local economy for generations to come".

"JLR are a huge international brand and to see them move to South Staffordshire and invest in our local economy is just wonderful news for everyone involved."

One international design and manufacturing company, Moog, has already started construction of a unit at the site while a second, Eurofins Scientific, has announced it will locate there. 

In addition to the authorities' quick and substantive response to the JLR interest, there were numerous key attributes to i54 South Staffordshire which had attracted JLR such as:

• A £60m investment in site to date

• The site has been awarded Enterprise Zone Status

• Its central location with great communications and further motorway link planned

• Development of new site-dedicated motorway junction included

• Further planned investment by Staffordshire County Council and Wolverhampton City Councils in the site's infrastructure

• A workforce of over half-a-million within 30 minutes of the site

• Competitive labour and operational costs

• Thirteen universities nearby producing high quality graduates

• Automotive supply chain already located in area

For more information about Staffordshire County Council, please visit their website here: www.staffordshire.gov.uk