A new Group Rhodes purpose-built facility in Bangalore, India, was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on 27 August.

The company — one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of special-purpose machinery for advanced applications in the aerospace, metal-forming, heavy ceramics, composites, environmental, deep-sea and oil and gas sectors — currently operates from four factories in the North of England.

Managing director Mark Ridgway said: “The Government has been very supportive of the advanced engineering sector in the UK, and in particular has encouraged international trade through a number of new initiatives — including UK Export Finance. We are confident that this investment in India will create more jobs at home and abroad.

“We chose Bangalore as the location for this new facility because of the skills, aerospace activity and strong international connectivity.

"The factory will improve our support for Indian aerospace clients, including Hindustan Aeronautics, and it will create a competitive base from which to develop our heavy ceramic operations throughout the region and beyond.”