Future Engineers Explore the Frontlines of Industry 4.0 at Jaguar Land Rover
Hugh Baird University Centre students from the Level 4 and 5 Foundation Degree in Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing) recently gained behind the scenes access to Jaguar Land Rover’s world-class manufacturing facility in Halewood.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands. As a global leader in the luxury vehicle market, it is renowned for its commitment to design, technical innovation, and pioneering research. The Halewood facility, based in Merseyside, is a cornerstone of JLR’s UK operations, employing thousands of highly skilled workers and producing some of the world’s most sought-after SUVs, including the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport.
The visit provided a vital bridge between classroom theory and industrial reality, offering students an in-depth look at the end-to-end production of luxury vehicles. Designed to support both Mechanical and Electronic engineering pathways, the Foundation Degree at Hugh Baird University Centre prioritises hands-on exposure to the technologies shaping the future of the sector.
During the immersive tour, students tracked the journey of a vehicle from initial metal stamping to final inspection. A highlight of the day was witnessing the plant’s high-efficiency "just-in-time" model, where 292 vehicles were being custom-built to specific customer orders rather than for mass storage.
During the tour, students observed a range of high-specification systems and processes, including:
- Stamping / Press Shop: A 13-metre-tall, 85-metre-long Aida servo press line used for shaping body panels.
- Body Shop (Robotics): Over 750 automated robots, including ABB and Kawasaki systems, carrying out high-precision spot welding and lifting tasks.
- Assembly Line: A final production line stretching to 6km, featuring Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) to support high-voltage battery installation.
- Material Handling: Overhead cranes, hoists, and powered roller beds (Exmac systems) transporting bodies and components throughout production.
- Quality and Inspection: Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration rigs and laser alignment tools to ensure accurate fitment and safety compliance.
- Tool Manufacturing: A 5-axis milling machine producing press tools (blanking dies) in-house for enhanced control and efficiency.
- Logistics and Storage: A fully automated painted body storage tower capable of holding up to 600 bodies at a time.
Students also saw S.P.O.T., a fully automated Boston Dynamics robot used to perform routine checks around the plant; identifying potential issues such as leaks or design errors both during peak operations and off-peak periods.
The visit directly supported student learning across the Manufacturing Engineering and Design and Development modules, helping them connect classroom knowledge to real-world industrial practice.
Kabir Abdulwahab, Engineering Lecturer at the Hugh Baird University Centre, said:
We had a fantastic visit to Jaguar Land Rover. The students were very enthusiastic throughout the day, and we are currently in talks with the management to see how we can utilise their apprenticeship or work placement programmes.
James Iball, Venue Manager at Jaguar Land Rover, said:
We all had a hugely enjoyable morning, and the opportunity to inspire today’s engineering students through a visit to JLR was truly special. Experiences like this create lasting memories, spark career ambitions, and help shape the innovative ideas of tomorrow. We wish the students every success in the future.
Want to learn more about the Foundation Degree in Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing) at Hugh Baird University Centre? Click the link below: https://www.hughbaird.ac.uk/details/university/ucd:HEENGAM .
