MP praises successful local manufacturing company

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert has said it's time to "blow the trumpet for British manufacturing" as he praised a local company's success.

The MP's comments came after he visited Tesla Engineering in Storrington on Friday (8 February) where he met the company's senior management and heard about their plans for expansion.

Tesla designs and manufactures electromagnets for science, medicine and industry.  Its team includes some of the most experienced magnet designers and builders in the world, and the company exports its products Worldwide to Europe, USA and Asia.

The MP met Managing Director Dr Mike Begg, Operations Director Steve Bates, and Finance Director David Cracknell who gave him a presentation on how their high-tech business has developed.  Tesla has operated from Storrington since 1973 and this year marks their 40th year of business.

The company has seen continuous growth and the group now includes  businesses  in the Netherlands and the Unites States, as well as the Storrington-based firm which now has a workforce of 233 people, making it one of the South Downs' most important local employers.

Tesla have recently been successful in an application to extend their site with another unit.  This will provide more working space for the team and help them to meet expected increases in demand for their specialised products.  The new unit is expected to be completed before the end of this year.

Nick Herbert said: "It was a pleasure to meet Tesla's senior management team and hear about their business.  Tesla isn't just a local success story, it is evidence that Britain can still lead the world in manufacturing, selling its products around the world.

"I've said before that too often we talk manufacturing down when in fact our sector is the sixth largest in the world.  After a period where we've relied too much on financial services and need to rebalance our economy, it's good to be reminded that we can still succeed with the skills and innovation that a modern manufacturing country needs."

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Notes for Editors

1.    More information about Tesla Engineering Ltd can be found at their website www.tesla.co.uk