Outside the Made in the Midlands Christmas Drinks celebration at Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham, Made in the Midlands members drove a flotilla of trucks in unison in a bold show of post-Brexit solidarity.
Manufacturers drove a fleet of trucks outside the venue to prove that Midlands manufacturers are stronger together. Vehicles were driven by Salop Powder Coating, Frank Dudley, Yeoman Pressings, Pemberton Engineering, Cooper & Jackson, SSC Laser, BBE Engineering, A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd, Petford Group and Phoenix Tooling and Development.
Made in the Midlands President, Christopher Greenough explained: There is a lot of talk at the moment on manufacturing, about how 2016 will finish, how 2017 will start and nothing but post-Brexit uncertainty in the news. The idea of the MiM Flotilla is to show that manufacturing is alive and well, and that Britain is open for business.
I organised the flotilla with MiM members, and at each event the number of vans, trucks and vehicles with logos increases. This is a testament to the members, we take to the roads to show that we are resilient, united and above all optimistic for the future. To show the media and government that we have the enthusiasm for our sector, manufacturing can help push the UK economy forward and that, with their support the UK can continue to lead the world.
Earlier this year, Made in the Midlands hosted the Great Brexit debate at Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre to examine whether manufacturers wanted to leave the European Union. The results proved that 54.21% of members wanted to stay in the EU. Since then, manufacturers and the public alike witnessed the shocking Brexit vote and the transformation of the political landscape.
Managing Director of Yeoman Pressings, Graham Yeomans said: Yeoman Pressings Ltd were once again thoroughly pleased to be part of the MIM flotilla at this year's Christmas drinks. What a fantastic way to show us as a united front!
Yeoman Pressings prides themselves on working in partnership with its customers in the manufacture of metal based products and assemblies.
Yeoman Pressings aim to satisfy all relevant legislation and to ensure that all personnel within the company adopt a safe, honest and professional style of attitude. The ultimate objective is to achieve an organisation whose commitment to our customers is total.
Additionally, Sales Director of Petford Group, Nick Howard said: Taking part in this years flotilla really helped to show Birmingham that manufacturing is still at the heart of the Midlands. Petford were pleased to be invited to take part in this demonstration and look forward to bringing Birmingham to a standstill again next year!
Petford Group are one of the Black Countrys most enterprising manufacturers. Since their formation in 1971 they have developed to become one of the countys leading tool makers and injection moulders.
They have surrounded themselves with highly advanced production systems and like to keep things simple. Their large skilled workforce can resolve any aspect of our clients complex needs and ongoing investment in skills training, help keep us industry leaders.
Made in the Midlands Managing Director, Jason Pitt concluded: This year has been a tumultuous time for manufacturers, particularly following the Brexit result. The government may be continually stalling on the decision to leave the EU, but manufacturers are already acting. The fleet of trucks was great proof that Midlands manufacturers are stronger together in a post-Brexit Britain.