Economy of Wiltshire
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The economy of Wiltshire in South West England was worth £16.392 billion to the UK economy in 2013.
Overview
The Wiltshire economy benefits from the "
In addition, there is higher-than-average employment in
History
A largely rural county, agriculture has historically dominated the economy.
Manufacturing
Avon Protection, formerly Avon Rubber, makes personal protection equipment for defence and industry near Melksham;[2] the company's Avon Tyres business at Melksham was sold to Cooper Tire & Rubber in 1993. Until the late 20th century, rubber parts for railways and other industries were also made nearby at Bradford-on-Avon.[3] The engineer Alex Moulton specialised in rubber suspension systems, and a factory at Bradford-on-Avon still makes small-wheel bicycles under the Moulton brand.[4]
An Arla creamery at Westbury makes Anchor butter.[5] Nearby, Welton Bibby & Baron claim to be the UK's largest manufacturer of paper bags and similar goods.[6]
The Honda car plant near Swindon closed in July 2021 after 36 years.[7] 3,000 jobs were lost.[8]
Tourism
The World Heritage Site of Stonehenge is on Salisbury Plain in southern Wiltshire. The site is considered a British cultural icon[9] and attracts many New Age travellers.
References
- ^ "Wiltshire Strategic Analysis (2002)" (PDF). Wiltshire CPRE. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 June 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
- ^ Kilgannon, Laurence (25 May 2021). "Strong start as Avon Rubber reveals proposed new name". Insider Media Ltd. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
- ^ "George Spencer, Moulton and Co". Grace's Guide. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
- ^ "Heritage". www.moultonbicycles.co.uk. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
- ^ "Butter". Arla Foods. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Welton Bibby & Baron". Retrieved 21 December 2020.
- ^ "Swindon Honda closure date 'set in stone'". BBC News. 12 February 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
- ^ "Swindon Honda plant closes down with loss of 3000 jobs". ITV News. 30 July 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
- ^ Scott, Julie; Selwyn, Tom (2010). Thinking Through Tourism. Berg. p. 191.