Northern Powerhouse Minister Visits Responsive Engineering
March 18, 2016
James Wharton MP discussing a machined product with Chris Watson, CNC Machinist
Northern Powerhouse Minister, James Wharton MP, visited Responsive Engineering to find out more about the business and its world-class manufacturing facilities.
The MP for Stockton enjoyed a tour of the 33,300m2 workspace, gaining an insight into the diverse range of products manufactured for the oil & gas, defence, energy, subsea, medical and aerospace sectors.
The Minister also met with employees and a number of the firm’s apprentices, who make up 15% of the workforce.
Northern Powerhouse Minister, James Wharton, said: “On my recent fact-finding visit to Responsive Engineering I was struck by how inspiring your success story was. Not only are you breathing life into one of the North East’s most iconic buildings, but you are creating apprenticeships, showcasing innovation the North of England is known for, and boosting the economy by creating cutting-edge products for export to international markets.
“The Northern Powerhouse was the birthplace of industrial revolution and is today home to ambitious businesses, such as yourselves. By working together to promote the north of England we can remind the world how much it has to offer.”
The visit, described as “extremely positive,” was part of a fact-finding mission, organised by the Department for Communities and Local Government, to discuss the issues faced by the manufacturing industry and businesses in the North East.
Following its relocation to the Armstrong Works, after a £20m transformation by innovative engineering firm Reece Group, Responsive Engineering is now benefiting from a number of new opportunities.
The state-of-the-art facilities mean the company is able to offer a complete subcontract manufacturing service. With all processes now taking place under one roof, work can be carried out quicker, while maintaining the highest quality.
Managing Director, Graeme Cook, said: “This is an exciting time for Responsive Engineering. The Armstrong Works is an outstanding manufacturing facility. We have one of the most impressive sub-contract engineering operations in the UK and employ a highly skilled and dedicated workforce.
“We are also attracting new business based upon the capability we are able to offer at Armstrong Works and we are increasing the range of markets in which we operate.”
Reece Group CEO, Phil Kite, said: “We were pleased to welcome the Minister to the Armstrong Works and to show him how this iconic site remains the home of innovative engineering.
“We discussed the issues faced by the manufacturing industry in the North East and how the Government could do more to help businesses in the area.”