Two MPs spent time at King Group’s Market Harborough site to understand the pressures facing UK manufacturing SMEs. Neil O’Brien, Market Harborough MP, and Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride toured the workshop and new fabrication facility.
Workshop and fabrication tour
King Group’s Riverside site employs around 100 people and has specialised in heavy-duty trailers since 1962. The visit included tours of production areas handling military, nuclear and rail maintenance equipment. A recently opened welding and fabrication facility focuses on aluminium and stainless steel standards required by the nuclear sector.
Pressures on UK manufacturers
Senior management outlined several ongoing challenges. Rising operating costs and the difficulty of attracting skilled labour affect production. Despite these constraints, King emphasises its commitment to creating local jobs and training through its apprentice academy.
Commitment to infrastructure and economy
James Richmond, Managing Director at King Group, said the visit allowed the company to showcase the quality of work produced every day. He noted the sector faces a testing environment but highlighted King’s ongoing focus on customer delivery.
Richmond added the meeting offered a chance to discuss potential government support to help British manufacturers maintain their roles in the local economy and national infrastructure projects.
For more information, visit www.king.uk.com or contact Charlie Styles, Head of Sales for Commercial and Defence, at charlie.styles@king.uk.com.
