Your Life Is Manufactured, a new book by Tim Minshall, Head of the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), is now available. In a fascinating exploration of the manufacturing world, Tim illuminates the complex and often unseen journeys of the products that shape our daily lives.

In an era where manufactured goods are omnipresent, few stop to consider the intricate processes that bring these items into existence. As Head of the IfM, Tim Minshall offers a unique perspective, guiding readers through the vast global network of manufacturing - from mega-factories and engineering laboratories to seaports, distribution hubs, supermarkets, and homes - shedding light on the hidden systems that shape the modern world.

In Your Life is Manufactured: How We Make Things, Why It Matters and How We Can Do It Better, Tim reveals the astonishing pathways taken by everyday objects - whether it’s the thousands of litres of water required to produce a single pair of jeans or the smartphone components that travel across the world multiple times before reaching our hands.

Through in-depth research and engaging storytelling, the book explores how manufacturing has shaped the modern world and how it can pave the way toward a more sustainable and equitable future. A sentiment that is echoed in Tim’s working-life, where he leads the IfM on its mission to manufacture a better world.

The book offers valuable insights into the profound impact of manufacturing on society and the environment, empowering readers to make informed choices about the products they use and the world they wish to create.

The book has already received high praise from leading experts. Professor Diane Coyle, author of Cogs and Monsters, describes it as "a brilliant book that shows that manufacturing is foundational to our lives, not only now but also if there is to be any hope for a sustainable future. I learned something new on every page."

Dr. Anna Ploszajski, author of Handmade: A Scientist’s Search for Meaning Through Making, likens the reading experience to "being given a personal tour of the world’s factories by a real-life Willy Wonka," praising Minshall’s ability to blend insight, curiosity, and wit.

As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainability and resource management, Your Life Is Manufactured, published by Faber & Faber, serves as a timely and essential read for anyone seeking to understand the role of manufacturing in shaping our collective future.

Featured in the Financial Times "What to Read in 2025", the book is now available for purchase in hardback, ebook and audio online and at major retailers.

Catch-up with Tim's appearance on Radio 4's Start the Week to find out more.