Exports Minister Mike Freer MP with Gestamp Aycliffe plant director Jonathan Phillips ( left ) and Sedgefield MP Paul Howell .
YES , MINISTER !
Exports chief impressed by Gestamp ’ s ‘ incredible global reach ’ during visit
BY MARTIN WALKER
The Government ’ s Exports Minister says he was impressed by one of the North- East region ’ s biggest employers during a visit to the site .
Mike Freer MP , who was appointed Exports Minister in 2021 , visited global automotive manufacturer Gestamp on Aycliffe Business Park in Newton Aycliffe .
Mr Freer heard from Gestamp ’ s local and international managers on his tour and learned about the firm ’ s ambitious expansion plans , its investment in state-of-the-art research and development facilities and its track record on training young local talent .
Gestamp – a multinational company which specialises in the design , development and manufacture of highly engineered metal components for the automotive industry – exports almost 70 % of the products made in Aycliffe to Europe , the US , China and South America .
The firm , with its global HQ in Spain , has invested heavily in new technology and innovative manufacturing processes at its Aycliffe site , including a new R & D facility , and has also appointed an employee wellbeing lead to focus on employees and the local community .
Sedgefield MP Paul Howell , who arranged Mr Freer ’ s visit , said : “ The Minister met with both local and international managers and was shown how the business had developed over the years and its incredible global reach .
“ They are focused on continuing this and educated the Minister on the opportunities they see as their key customers evolve their businesses post covid and also embrace the transition to electric vehicles .
“ Minister Freer was impressed by what he saw and he and I will be sharing what we learnt with other Ministers from the Business and International Trade teams .”
Mr Freer , the Conservative MP for Finchley and Golders Green in London , said : “ It was a pleasure to visit Gestamp to see for myself the success story the company is .
“ Being able to discuss in person any exporting issues the company faces was particularly useful .
“ I will be doing what I can to help the company continue to thrive .”
Gestamp Aycliffe plant director Jonathan
12 | Aycliffe Business