Manufacturing world leaders have received a £30 million boost from the Government to help them become more competitive and safeguard jobs.
Winners included a Birmingham firm which provides specialist paint used for commercial military aeroplanes.
The cash has come from the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative, which is designed to help firms in the supply chain in the automotive, aerospace and chemical sectors.
A total of £30 million has been awarded to 11 projects across the country, including eight in the West Midlands, with another £50 million in investment coming from the private sector.
Firms receiving the cash include Indestructible Paint Ltd in Sparkhill, which will use the money to help it increase its market share in the aerospace sector.
Other winners include automotive components manufacturer ZF Lemforder UK Ltd in Wednesbury in the Black Country, which is expanding its operations, and a new business to be based in Coventry that will produce aluminium low pressure die castings for Jaguar Land Rovers new car models.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Over half the UKs exports and almost three quarters of our business research and development activity is in manufacturing, so its vital that we create the right conditions to encourage growth in the industry.
"The successful applications in Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative Round 1 in the West Midlands represent a strong selection of winning bids that will underscore the areas automotive and aerospace supply chain capabilities.
"Birmingham City Council as helping to oversee the scheme, working with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "Working in this new partnership has been ground-breaking.
"We are making use of new legislation which gives local authorities the powers for the first time to operate outside their region at a national and even an international level.
"The 11 projects across the country are expected to create or safeguard 2,160 jobs, according to the Government.
"Firms from any part of the country could apply, with Birmingham City Council working with the Government to help deliver the project nationally, not just in the West Midlands."
