Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for
South Basildon and East Thurrock, last week visited aerospace engineering firm,
Gardner Aerospace to highlight the importance of engineering and manufacturing
to Basildon & Thurrock.
Gardner Aerospace is one of
Europe’s largest suppliers of aerospace detailed parts, sub-assemblies and
total manufacturing services. The operations plant in Basildon is no exception,
providing key components for the A380 air bus, employing over 200 people and
offering a comprehensive apprenticeship programme.
Stephen Metcalfe commented: “We
are often told that the UK cannot compete with other countries when it comes to
engineering and manufacturing, but because of high quality, reliability and our
innovative approach, manufacturers in the UK are still some of the best in the
world and can compete on an equal basis with anyone, regardless of where they
are based.”
“We should all be extremely
proud to have a manufacturing company such as Gardner Aerospace. They are
suppliers of quality products to some of the best known names in the industry
and are a crucial component to Gardner’s global operations.”
Gardner not only takes great
pride in the products they produce but also in their workforce who produce
them. Their 200 strong team includes apprentices, interns and provides
options for sandwich year students from university.
Mr Metcalfe added: “Gardner
have a fantastic apprenticeship programme which helps to nurture young
engineering talent, ensuring that we have a solid skills base for the future.”
“In these difficult economic
times apprenticeships are a vital means through which we can equip the next
generation of engineers. I strongly believe that we should be driving this
process. We always need more highly skilled workers and we must ensure that
companies such as Gardner have a pool of talent to choose from.”
“One way that this can be
achieved is by having a University Technical College in Basildon. I will
continue to work to make this happen so that manufacturing in Basildon can
continue to grow and thrive and build a strong legacy for generations to come.”
