Manufacturing
Last updated on March 27, 2024
British Columbia’s vibrant manufacturing sector is a key economic driver in the province. British Columbia has a long and proud heritage of producing a diverse array of high-quality, innovative goods that not only serve the needs of local communities, but are also in demand globally.
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Sector overview
There are nearly 20,000 manufacturing businesses in B.C., many with decades-long legacies of excellence and international reach. Manufacturing contributes approximately $18 billion to B.C.’s gross domestic product (GDP) each year and accounts for over 6% of B.C.’s total GDP.
Manufacturing is also a significant employment driver. The sector sustains approximately 170,000 jobs and B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook projects over 50,000 new job openings in manufacturing over the next decade.
In addition to the direct jobs created by manufacturing, the sector supports a wide range of service areas including maintenance and repair, transportation and logistics, engineering, accounting, legal assistance, and more.
Manufacturing is also the foundation of B.C.’s exports. In fact, approximately 50% of B.C.’s exports are manufactured goods, with key markets including the U.S., China, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Australia.
Some of B.C.'s most notable manufacturing industries include:
- Wood and paper products
- Metals and machinery
- Food and beverage processing
- Shipbuilding and industrial marine
- Aerospace
- Medical products and biomanufacturing
B.C.'s advantages
B.C. offers an array of advantages for manufacturers, including:
- Vast natural resources
- Diverse and highly-skilled workforce
- Strong industry networks and collaboration
- Top-ranked research institutions
- Vibrant technology and innovation sector
- Abundant clean and low-cost electricity
- Numerous tax incentives for businesses
- World-leading climate action plan
- Strong ESG reputation
- Ready access to global markets
- Broad economic development supports
- Extensive investment-ready land base
Manufacturing Action Plan
The Manufacturing Action Plan is a comprehensive strategy to grow B.C.’s manufacturing sector by strengthening our industrial competitiveness and capitalizing on our industries of highest opportunity through five strategic policy pillars:
- Increasing productivity and innovation
- Supporting clean manufacturing and net-zero new industry
- Building a future-ready manufacturing workforce
- Making our supply chains more resilient and diversified
- Preserving and developing industrial lands to support local economies
In collaboration with over 50 partners including industry associations, manufacturing businesses, Indigenous organizations, and government departments, the Manufacturing Action Plan has been developed to address the sector’s critical needs and positively impact workers province-wide.
Download the Manufacturing Action Plan (PDF, 7.5MB) to learn more.
The Manufacturing Action Plan also aligns with other key provincial initiatives:
- StrongerBC Economic Plan
- CleanBC Roadmap to 2030
- Life Sciences & Biomanufacturing Strategy
- Mass Timber Action Plan
- Maritime Industries Strategy
- Critical Minerals Strategy
Programs & resources
B.C. manufacturers have access to a wide range of programs and resources that can enhance growth and competitiveness.
Productivity & Innovation
- B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund (MJF)
- Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP)
- B.C. Maritime Industries Infrastructure Modernization and Expansion Grant Program
- InBC Investment Corporation
- CleanBC Plastics Action Fund
- CME Technology Assessment Program
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Centre of Excellence
- Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit
- Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credit
Clean Manufacturing & Net-Zero Readiness
Workforce & Talent
Accessing New Markets
Developing Industrial Land
Additional resources
Download Growing B.C.’s Small and Medium Sized Manufacturers (PDF 1.8MB) to learn more about B.C.'s manufacturing sector.