West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has visited a thriving county-based lift component manufacturer.
Atwell International, which specialises in the design and supply of safety products for the global lift industry, gave the MP a guided tour of their 10,000 sq ft design and engineering plant in Hallow.
Hosted by the firm’s managing director Russell Walker, the MP was introduced to Atwell’s 11-strong team and saw a ‘drop test’ demonstration of the company’s renowned VG Safety equipment technology.
The VG brand is an in-house designed product which has helped to establish Atwell’s reputation as a trusted supplier to the sector – with the firm’s products featuring on lifts within high profile buildings including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Universal Studios in Florida.
Formed in 1996, and set to celebrate their 20th anniversary next year, Atwell has grown to supply lift components to manufacturers and installers in the UK, mainland Europe, the United States and China. Their products are also installed in aircraft carriers, other naval ships, fairgrounds and inclined railways.
Harriett said: “I travel in lifts on the Parliamentary estate every day and it is great to know I am in such safe hands.
“Last week we saw at Alton Towers how important it is to have the best possible safety systems. Atwell has a great reputation and I’d love to think that the company’s brakes are fitted in every lift in the world.
“The company trades all over the world and I have offered Russell and his team my help as they expand into new markets.”
Russell Walker, managing director of Atwell International added: “We were thrilled to welcome Harriett to our offices and manufacturing hub in Hallow. It was an opportunity to showcase the giant strides we’ve taken with several innovative products which have helped to grow our position in the lift and elevator industry.
“That wouldn’t have been possible without our outstanding people and over the years we have built a first-class design, manufacturing and sales team. It was fantastic for them to meet Harriett, someone who really champions local enterprise, innovation and jobs.”
Mr Walker, who became managing director of the firm in 2010 and is responsible for the development of Atwell’s VG brand, added that the company is also set to take on its first apprentice this month as it looks to grow its team. Holly Freeman will join only months after graduate engineer Sam Tanno was appointed by the firm.
