Historically Barrow's economy was dominated by the manufacturing sector,
with the Barrow Hematite Steel Company and Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering
being amongst the most important global companies in their respective fields
during the 20th century. In the present day, manufacturing remains the largest
employment sector in the town with BAE Systems being the single largest employer.
However, like most of the UK, employment trends have greatly diversified since
the 20th century and there are no other predominant employment sectors in
Barrow.