Customers and staff of Kidderminster based machine tool builder, Amada UK, welcomed HRH the Duke of Kent to their headquarters on Tuesday 23rd June 2015. The Duke visited to learn not only about the latest sheet metal technologies but also to meet the company’s young talented apprentices.
One of The Duke’s major public roles for many years was Vice-Chairman of British Trade International (now known as UK Trade and Investment), a position he held from 1976. He was very actively involved in its work, promoting Britain and British companies by leading overseas trade missions and visiting companies large and small across the United Kingdom. The Duke retired from this role in 2001, but still retains an interest in British business at home and overseas.
Amada UK managing director, Alan Parrott says: “We were really proud to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent especially considering his work with UK trade and Investment. One of the reasons we came to the UK in the 1970’s and are here today 43 years later is because of the warm welcome the Amada organisation received from the UK government”.
The Duke spent time with current and newly qualified apprentices learning about new machine technologies, discussing their experiences and the skills they have gained during their time with Amada. During the showroom tour, HRH produced a laser cut and robot formed stainless steel box, by himself.
Alan Parrott continues: “Our young engineers really appreciated the time the Duke spent with them. Our biggest challenge today is to find and develop the talented young people who will help us to continue improving customer support to our UK client base”.
The visit comes at an exciting time for Amada UK which, in the last 2 years, has invested £6 million in the Kidderminster facility to support its new activities in Spain and Scandinavia. The company is on course for record sales this year exceeding 100 million Euros.
Amada United Kingdon Ltd
Tel: 01562 749500
Email: info@amada.co.uk
www.amada.co.uk