Manufacturing is the heritage and foundation sector of Huntingdonshire, home to long-established, innovative businesses. The area combines traditional craftsmanship with skilled engineering, attracting R&D-driven firms using advanced manufacturing for sectors like automotive, aerospace, medical, defence, and tech. It supports over 13,000 jobs—15.3% of local employment—significantly above regional and national averages.

Huntingdonshire is a major manufacturing hub with over 550 businesses, ranging from large firms like Hilton Food Group PLC to growing companies like Charpak Ltd. It has the highest concentration of manufacturing businesses in Cambridgeshire, reinforcing its status as a leading cluster in the East of England. The district also excels in advanced manufacturing, with more companies in this sector—such as Paragraf, Titan Motorsport, and BioBean—than nearby areas. Ranked among the UK's top 10 regions for advanced manufacturing (4.8% of total UK output), it benefits from proximity to the innovation hub in Cambridge and the eco-cluster in Peterborough.

Manufacturing has long been the backbone of Huntingdonshire's economy, with a mature sector—companies average 17 years old—and over 13,000 jobs, accounting for 15.3% of local employment, well above regional and national levels. Employment in the sector is growing by 3% annually. Proximity to universities with strong STEM departments ensures a steady pipeline of talent and access to cutting-edge knowledge. Government support for technical education, industry placements, and skilled job investment further strengthens career opportunities in manufacturing.

Huntingdonshire benefits from major recent infrastructure investment, including the £1.5bn A14 upgrade in 2020, improving access to Cambridge, Peterborough, London, key ports like Felixstowe, and major airports. The area also offers high-speed rail links to London and the North, plus a guided bus route from Huntingdon and St Ives to central Cambridge. This connectivity supports efficient movement of goods and materials for manufacturers and provides convenient commuting options for workers.

The UK aims to lead in cutting-edge technology and drive progress toward a net zero economy, with advanced manufacturing playing a critical role across key growth sectors—such as aerospace, biopharma, carbon capture, agri-tech, MedTech, and sustainable infrastructure. In Huntingdonshire, the Economic Development Team actively seeks funding and skills support to accelerate the growth of advanced manufacturing, aligning with national priorities and positioning the region as a key contributor to the UK's economic and environmental goals.

Charpak is an award-winning advanced manufacturing company based in Huntingdon, they have evolved from a St Neots toy manufacturer into a leading thermoform packaging business. As the creator of the UK's first localised circular economy, Charpak is transforming waste into valuable resources, showcasing innovation and sustainability at the heart of modern manufacturing.

Based in Huntingdonshire, Arcade UK Ltd delivers high-quality mechanical and electrical engineering services for industrial and commercial projects across the UK. Their expertise includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, environmental control solutions, and industrial installations, combining local knowledge with national reach.