NEWS
Export Minister Andrew Griffin with Paul Howell MP and Roman MD David Osborne .
ROMAN VISITExport
The government ’ s new Export Minister said he was impressed by the “ innovative ” products being produced at a Newton Aycliffe firm on a visit this week .
Shower manufacturer Roman welcomed Andrew Griffin to its 400,000 sq ft headquarters on Aycliffe Business Park .
The visit involved a tour of Roman ’ s manufacturing facilities , including Roman ’ s three factories , showroom and testing facilities .
“ It was great to visit Roman ’ s headquarters in Newton Aycliffe and see first-hand the fantastic work they are doing creating innovative products sold around the world ,
Minister impressed by ‘ innovative ’ Aycliffe firm on visit
supporting jobs and economic growth ,” said the MP for Arundel and South Downs .
“ This government ’ s support for British exporters and new free trade agreements with more than 70 countries means businesses can benefit from exciting new opportunities across the world .”
Roman has recently won the Queen ’ s Award for International Trade for a second time by achieving such a strong position in the market place with consistent and creative product innovation .
The firm has produced significant growth across all UK market sectors and in the past five years , as well as strong growth in international markets .
Roman ’ s manufacturing capability and vast range of products has made the brand increasingly strong in key international markets .
Currently Roman has supplied products for projects in 72 markets worldwide from County Durham .
The firm ’ s CEO David Osborne said : “ It was an honour to meet the newly appointed Export Minister and for him to take the time to visit our headquarters for a factory tour and a discussion on our international business .
“ We were particularly keen to get an update on the progress with accession to the Trans- Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) which is crucial to the development of our international trade .”
AYCLIFFE FIRM COLLABORATES WITH MANUFACTURING FORUM
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Newton Aycliffe fabrications firm teamed up with a leading business forum to host a networking event .
BTS Facades and Fabrications hosted the event in partnership with The Advanced Manufacturing Forum ( AMF ), to showcase its expertise in the manufacturing industry and promote the fabrications sector across the North-East .
The firm welcomed engineering and manufacturing businesses from across the North-East to share knowledge and exchange expertise .
The meet-up included a factory tour , presentation and an exchange in best practice . Managing director Phi Atkinson said : “ It was such an honour to have been able to host this event at our offices , which are a showroom for exactly what we do .
“ Some incredible North-East industry leaders attended . These events are all about learning from one another , and that ’ s exactly what we saw today .
“ I hope that everyone who came along was able to see that our investment into automation and machinery has made a huge difference to the way we work , and it is certainly the way forward for us .
“ This certainly won ’ t be the last time I invite fellow business leaders over to our offices . I love showing people around and banging the drum for our incredible workforce and for our thriving sector .”
Twenty-two people attended the event which was co-hosted by the AMF , a membership forum whose aim is to bring together the North-East ’ s manufacturing and engineering community to create successful opportunities .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 13