The Duke of Kent recently visited the Kidderminster headquarters of machine tool builder Amada UK (
www.amada.co.uk), where he saw the latest sheet-metal technologies and met the company’s young apprentices.
During his tour of the showroom, he produced a laser-cut and robot-formed stainless-steel box.
One of the Duke of Kent’s major public roles for many years was vice-chairman of British Trade International (now known as UK Trade and Investment).
He promoted Britain and British companies by participating in overseas trade missions, and he visited companies large and small across the UK.
Amada UK’s managing director, Alan Parrott, said: “We were really proud to welcome His Royal Highness to our facility, especially considering his work with UK Trade and Investment. One of the reasons we came to the UK in the 1970s and are still here today — 43 years on — is the warm welcome that the Amada organisation received from the Government.
“Our young engineers really appreciated the time the Duke spent with them. Our biggest challenge today is to find and develop the talented young people who will help us to continue improving customer support to our UK client base.”
Mr Parrott said that the visit came at an “exciting time” for Amada UK, which has invested £6 million in the Kidderminster facility. The company is on course for record sales this year, passing the 100 million euro mark.