HUNDREDS of employees at Stafford engine maker Perkins celebrated the opening of a third manufacturing production line this week.
Bosses at the Tixall Road plant say the investment will help the firm increase output and stregthen its position in the global marketplace.
Led by Stafford MP, Jeremy Lefroy, a host of local dignitaries joined hundreds of Perkins’ office and shop floor employees to officially cut the ribbon on the new line on Thursday.
The firm employs 800 people and recently created more than 60 permanent jobs and a further 40 temporary positions.
General manager, Richard Cotterell, said: “Today is a day for us all to celebrate and recognise the achievements that have been made at the Stafford facility.
“The new production line puts us in a great position to strengthen our market position and grow our business and the continued capabilities of our products and our people.
“The investment is significant for a number of reasons - it is a reflection on the quality and capability of this plant - it ensures a stronger future for our employees and it helps our customers maintain their competitiveness. For Perkins, for Stafford and for the region I believe this a very positive step forward.”
The increased capacity will also allow the company to build on its expertise in the gas engine market - which is growing as customers use more renewable or waste gases, such as from landfill sites, to produce electricity.
President, Gwenne Henricks, said: "The engines manufactured here are destined for power generation applications all over the world.
"In every corner of the globe you will find a Perkins-powered genset providing much needed electricity, whether it’s for primary applications or for emergency situations where the local supply might have failed."
Visitors to the engine centre on Thursday were given a tour of the 30-acre facility - which as well as manufacturing large diesel and gas engines, is also responsible for product design and global engine development.
Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said: "The factory here in Stafford reaches across the world. Electricity is always needed, so there is a great future for the factory and for the products it makes. I am very proud to say that we have such a world class facility here in Stafford."
