As industrialization continues to be a central pillar of the global economy, industrial zones ebb and flow.
Some of the most developed industrial zones are in Europe, although the continent’s industrial landscape has changed over the years.
Consorto, the European commercial real estate marketplace, offers the best selection of industrial property in the United Kingdom to France and Germany – and other EU countries.
Prominent European industrial regions
The industrial belt of North-West Europe encompasses the United Kingdom, West Germany, and Northern France. Further clusters are in Central France, Northern Spain, and Italy, as well as secondary zones. Therefore, if you are considering a move or expansion from the United States to Europe, such information is worth bearing in mind.
Industrial zones of the United Kingdom
The Industrial Revolution began in Britain and the United Kingdom still boasts some of the most developed industrial zones in Europe. These include:
Central Scotland
The northernmost industrial zone in the UK lies in Central Scotland. The region boasts ample coalfields, a natural resource on which various industries have been established. Namely:
- Metallurgy
- Engineering
- Shipbuilding
- Textile
- Linoleum
The densest concentration of industrial activity in Clyde; Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Fife, among others.
Durham and Northumberland
The UK’s North-East coast industrial region, Durham and Northumberland both boast industries based on local coalfields. Coal mining, iron and steel production, and steel processing industries all helped Tyne’s shipbuilding industry to thrive.
Lancashire and the West Yorkshire
The dominant industries depend on local resources, such as coalfields, and demand, but they do offer differences.
Lancashire houses a variety of industries. As well as the cotton industry, it boasts coal, steel, and iron industries in the western Pennines, shipbuilding in Barrow, and processing and elementary industries in the Manchester Ship Canal.
West Yorkshire has a considerable cloth manufacturing industry, mostly to the north. In the south, particularly in Sheffield, coal mining and steel and iron production industries prevail.
The Midlands
The Birmingham industrial region is among the most developed industrial zones in Europe. The “black country” is highly industrialized, with many industries apart from the notable auto sector.
Greater London
The Greater London industrial zone remains strong, in contrast to South Wales, Bristol, and Southampton, which have seen relative decline. The region mostly represents industries around consumer goods, in no small part due to London’s expanding population.
Industrial zones of Germany
As Europe’s political center has moved to Germany in recent years, so industrialization has moved eastward from the UK. Germany’s industrial expansion has contributed to its economic strength and the country boasts some of the most developed industrial zones in Europe today.
Rhine
Among the most prominent developed industrial regions in the continent lies the Rhine industrial zone. With a population of over 5 million, quality local coalfields, and a thriving local market, the region features many industries. Most notable are:
- Iron and steel production
- Engineering
- Heavy chemicals
- Textiles.
Middle Rhine
A heartland of commerce, at the center of converging rivers and trading routes, the Middle Rhine industrial complex remains prominent. Local advantages, such as water transportation and adjacent, thriving industries, such as electricity production, have played their part in this. Middle Rhine is among the most developed industrial zones in Europe today with prominent sectors including engineering and automobile to leather and brewing,
West Berlin
Given its historical position as an industrial heartland throughout the late 20th century Germany, West Berlin’s industrial region has thrived. Today, it accounts for a considerable volume of consumer goods, such as cosmetics, as well as electricity and electronics.
Industrial zones of France
Northern France also boasts some of the most developed industrial zones in Europe. Notably, it features some of the most prominent industrial zones in the region today.
Greater Paris
The Greater Paris region attracts both heavy industries such as automobile and aircraft manufacturing and the creative light industries of fashion and jewellery.
Lorraine
Among the most notable industrial zones of France lies the Lorraine region, which now accounts for the majority of the country’s steel and iron production. Steel and iron plants are divided into three main areas; the Metz-Thionville complex, Nancy, and the Longway-Villerapt area.
The Mediterranean industrial region
The world-famous Marseilles is adjacent to this zone. Due to access to seaports, the region has maintained its affluence and prosperity. Trade with both European and southern Asian countries has persisted in recent years, giving rise to various local industries such as soap, leather, and silk manufacturing.
