The Main Industrial Activity Sectors

The industrial structure of Cantabria comprises four sectors which stand out from the rest regarding their contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Firstly, the motor vehicle components sector is linked to an important and very competitive auxiliary automotive industry which is a leader both nationally and internationally.

Secondly, the processed metal sector has a long tradition in Cantabria and, made up of a large number of metallurgical, iron and steel and processed metal product companies, it is now one of the mainstays of regional industry. The food and agriculture industry is linked in a very special way to the region's important natural resources and is represented by important dairy and canning industries, etc. Another significant sector is the chemical industry, in which numerous multinational companies are involved.

Lastly, there is another group of sectors, such as the mechanical-electrical, distribution and logistics (taking advantage of Cantabria's potential and ideal location), information and communications technologies (ICTs) etc. which although not carrying as much weight as the aforementioned sectors, represent a significant percentage under constant growth in recent years.