Gestamp executive chairman Francisco J . Riberas Mera ( right ) with Hugh Elliott ( centre ), Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Spain , and Gestamp UK president Kevin Stobbs .
BY MARTIN WALKER
ROYAL HONOUR
Gestamp ’ s Spanish chairman receives CBE for services to UK automotive sector
The chairman of a major Spanishbased UK employer , Gestamp , has received a CBE for services to the British automotive sector .
The firm ’ s executive chairman Francisco J . Riberas Mera has been appointed Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire ( CBE ).
On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II , the recognition was granted by Hugh Elliott , Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Spain .
It was delivered in the presence of a small number of relatives and friends during an event at the British Embassy in Madrid .
Gestamp , which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022 , has been in the UK since 2012 and currently has three production plants , as well as an R & D centre .
During this time , Gestamp UK has become one of the main Tier 1 companies in the UK automotive sector .
In his acceptance speech , Gestamp ’ s executive chairman highlighted the strength of the ties between the two countries , and how the company works hand in hand with Gestamp UK with the commitment to overcome common challenges .
UK Ambassador Hugh Elliott said : “ It is a great pleasure to present the Commander of the Order of the British Empire ( CBE ) medal to Francisco Riberas from Gestamp for his services to the automotive sector in the United Kingdom .
“ Two decades with investments , job training , job creation , innovation and sharing family business values with a long-term vision . Thank you and congratulations !”
The automobile industry is the UK ’ s main export sector . The company , which began operations in 2012 , currently employs around 2,000 people at its three sites .
Newton Aycliffe , in County Durham , is the largest of the production plants with around 1,200 workers , which also has an R & D centre , one of the 13 that Gestamp has around the world .
The plants in the West Midlands , near Wolverhampton , and Llanelli in Wales complete the company ’ s UK operations .
Aycliffe plant manager Jonathan Phillips said : “ We ’ re absolutely delighted that Mr Riberas and Gestamp have been recognised with this prestigious honour , and we offer our full congratulations from everyone here at Gestamp in Newton Aycliffe .
“ Gestamp has been a major employer in the North-East region for many years and Gestamp continues to invest heavily in our people , facilities , research and development and in the training of our young local people . “ Mr Riberas ’ recognition is testament to Gestamp ’ s commitment to the UK automotive sector and in creating jobs here in Britain – and we ’ re very proud he has received the CBE , the second highest honour to be bestowed on an individual for services to this country .”
Gestamp president Asia and UK Kevin Stobbs added : “ It was a huge privilege for me to be invited to such a prestigious event .
“ This award for Mr Riberas is a great honour and recognises the continued investment and support by Gestamp into the UK automotive sector .”
The title of Honorary Commander is awarded to those who play a notable role at national level , an outstanding leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community , or a highly outstanding innovative contribution in their area of activity .
The list of CBE recipients includes renowned professionals such as Stephen Hawking , J . R . R . Tolkien and Agatha Christie .
12 | Aycliffe Business