|
16th March 2009
Leyland Trucks Makes Major Investment in Training for the Future
Investment of over half a million pounds in the training of
engineers is being seen by Leyland Trucks as a mark of confidence in the
long-term future of the Lancashire truck builder.
Around 100 engineers and technical staff are having their skill
levels further advanced under a scheme which has received £300,000 of funding
through The Northwest Regional Development Agency. The company is meeting the
remaining costs.
“This is a significant investment in the future of our
business at a time when market conditions are very challenging,” says
Leyland Trucks' managing director, Jim Sumner.
“These engineers and technicians are learning new skills that
will enable them to make a significant contribution to improving our
manufacturing efficiency and competitiveness. They will also be supporting the
development of high technology projects, such as hybrid vehicles. I'm very
pleased that with the support of the NWDA we areable to make this investment at
this time. I see it as a very positive commitment to the future of our company
and the 1,000 local people who work here. It's also an essential step - and
just the first of several we are taking towards ensuring that we are well
prepared to take immediate advantage of the recovery when it comes.”
The training covers a wide range of skills in product design,
engineering, project management, process engineering and financial management.
It is very focussed on product and process innovation and the change management
needed to support the company through the current economic downturn and
position it for growth once the economy starts to recover.
Steven Broomhead, ChiefExecutive of the NWDA, said: “The
government has put in place a multi-millionpound support package for the
automotive industry across the UK, which will help vehiclemanufacturers,
particularly in the long term. However, there is still a needfor help with
immediate issues and the NWDA is doing what it can to help withthese short and
medium term challenges. The Automotive sector inthe region is the second
largest in the UK, supporting some 43,000 jobs andit is vital to the future
growth of our economy. We must do all we can tosupport it now. We are delighted
to be able to support Leyland Trucks, one of the regions key global brands, and
their people during these challengingeconomic times.”
Editor's Note:
The Northwest Regional Development Agency(NWDA) is responsible for the
sustainable economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and
has five key priorities: Business, Skills and Education, Peopleand Jobs,
Infrastructure and Quality of Life.
For further information visit: www.nwda.co.uk
and www.englandsnorthwest.com
|
