A business minister has visited a manufacturing site near Lichfield as part of a fact finding tour of the region.
Mark Prisk went to Armitage Shanks’ site in Armitage to discuss recent investments, current issues and the ceramic industry with the company’s management before touring the factory.
He said:
“I find it extremely valuable to meet with businesses and local enterprise partnerships and hear about the different challenges they are facing and their ideas about how we can work together to stimulate growth. I’m keen to learn about the different and innovative approaches that businesses are taking to help them thrive in the current economic climate and listen to their ambitious and creative plans.
“Manufacturing businesses across the West Midlands have been leading the way in grasping opportunities to innovate, export and grow as the economy recovers from the recent recession. By listening directly to business this Government is better able to tackle the barriers and red tape that frustrate businesses.”
More than 50 per cent of Ideal Standard’s 1,200 UK employees are employed at the Armitage site, which has developed from a multi-level casting facility to a single level casting facility. In recent years, it has seen a progressive removal of all plaster moulds as well as the introduction of automation.
The first piece was produced at the factory in 1817 and today, the site is Ideal Standard International’s highest productivity plant.
Tony Herbert, operations director, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Mark Prisk. This is a very important site for Armitage Shanks and produces the bulk of our UK sales. We’ve recently made significant investments in the warehouse and the manufacturing and were very proud to present our latest pressure casting technology to the minister.”